September2017

LOOKING AHEAD LARRY THOMAS, PCAM | CAI-NJ CHAPTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

A s this issue of Community Trends ® is dedicated to our legislative initiatives, I am sure that you will agree with me that all the articles provide an extensive overview of our current position and status on dozens of pending legislative bills. So, considering that there is already widespread coverage on our legislative matters, I’d like to address the importance of our Political Action Committee and how vital their “behind the scenes” efforts are. Jim Rademacher, as President of CA-PAC, and Jack McGrath, as Vice President, do a thankless job rais- ing funds to support our elected officials who support our interests when considering pending legislation that could affect our common interest communities. CA-PAC meets regularly to discuss how to raise funds either by direct solicitation or by organizing events. Members of CA-PAC regularly attend CAI events to make a “pitch” for donations and inform the attendees of how important their contributions are. These contributions are used to support the campaigns of elected officials that advocate legislation that would benefit our community associations. There are also several instances where we need to “get the ear” of a state senator or assemblyman to inform them why we feel their bill is unfair to our residents that reside in a homeowner association or a condominium. There is a program in place for all our membership categories. One program that is geared towards our community associations is our “Dollar a Door” campaign. Almost every bill that is introduced concerning New Jersey’s common interest communities (HOAs and condos) if passed, would have an impact on every person living in a community. Therefore, CAI National created the “Dollar

"These contributions are used to support the campaigns of elected officials that advocate legislation that would benefit our community associations." a Door” campaign. Several communities have created a line item in their annual budget for this yearly pledge. It’s also very important for our Management Company and Business Partner members to give a donation to CA-PAC. These companies have a substantial financial interest in the operations of our community members and dozens of these pending bills, if passed, would impact how they run their businesses. So please go to page 16 and see which of our communities, management company, business partner or individual members have contributed to our PAC this year and contribute today and get your name “on the list.” There is a form for you, your business or your community to contribute on page 16. Also, if you are a board mem- ber for your community, see if any of your professional or service providers are listed and if not, encourage them, to make a pledge. Individual managers are also encouraged to support CA-PAC as they have a professional interest in legislation that could severely impact the way our commu- nities are managed. This is the only method we have to “have our voice heard“ in Trenton and to make sure unfa- vorable legislation is not voted into law. n

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