CAI-NJ Sept.2018(w)(1)

PRESIDENT’S CORNER LISA VITIELLO, CPA CAI-NJ 2018 PRESIDENT | TOWNE & COUNTRY MANAGEMENT, INC.

I n the early-nineties, my first CAI committee appointment was to the Legislative Action Committee (LAC). After that first meeting, I realized this committee was the guardian for our industry. At that time, the industry was fighting for municipal service reimbursement for communities. As most of you know, com- munities were paying property taxes which included trash removal, street lighting and snow removal; yet the members of the association were not receiving the service from the municipality. The Municipal Services Act eliminated this dou- ble taxation. The Act obligates municipalities to either provide certain services to private communities, or reimburse those communities for those services. This significant legislation is the result of CAI’s LAC fighting for our communities. Who and what is this committee? “The Legislative Action Committee consists of industry volunteers dedicated to the monitoring of legislation, educating elected state lawmak- ers and protecting the interests of those living in community associations.” LAC reviews proposed legislative bills that are introduced by members of the NJ State Senate and General Assembly. LAC makes a determination if the proposed bills will help or

harm community associations. Based on their assessment, they act as advocates for community associations to ensure the Legislators’ understand how a particular bill will affect their community member constituents. This Community Trends ® issue is dedicated to legislative issues that are before the LAC and the position they are advo- cating for in order to protect our community members. You can help in two ways. Raise your voices so we are

“The LAC makes a determination if the proposed bills will help or harm community associations.”

heard by your local state legislator on the many issues dis- cussed in the issue. The second is to donate to the CA-PAC, who’s purpose is to give a strong voice in Trenton. Together, we can make a positive contribution to those who call com- munity associations home. n

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