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President's Message By Todd Brisco
Often I am asked, “Why do we have
such horrible legal procedures?” and
“Don’t the legislators understand we
are just trying to run our businesses?”
The simple answer is no. Most electeds do
not invest in rental property. Most do not
operate businesses. Their knowledge of
local, daily industry is limited at best.
They take their cue on legislation from
their staff, their political party, the unions,
their relative who had a bad rental
experience or organized supporters.
The latter is where you come in.
As an active member of the Apartment
Association, California Southern Cities,
your voice counts when we lobby for/or
against legislation. And, we are lobbying
hard because your rental housing business
is literally at risk. For example:
- If Senator Ellen Corbett’s bill passes in
Sacramento, all 869,000 California landlords
(LIKE YOU!) will be effectively
faced with statewide rent control.
- If your property was built before 1978,
you could be charged $37,500 per
violation per day if you did not receive
the EPA mandated lead safe training by
April 22.
- That the state wants you to install
individual water meters for each unit
($200-$3,000 each).
- That there are Assemblymembers who
want to take away your right to run
credit checks on your managers and
criminal checks on your tenants.
Let’s face it, you worked too hard and
sacrificed too much to see your business
disappear before your very eyes.
Government intrusion into your life is
higher now than ever before—with increasing
fees, fines, mandates and overregulation.
You cannot afford to have government
control your rental property, too! Now is the time to prohibit government
from trampling your private property
rights.
The most important benefit you receive
from your membership with AACSC is
legislative advocacy at the city, county,
state and federal level. Even the good
legislators do not always understand the
ramifications or impact on you when bills
are passed—the electeds need to be educated
in order for you to be protected.
A California-trained and well-respected lobbyist plus a team of national advocates provide the foundation. When you add a board of directors who have worked in the trenches and a politically-sensitive professional staff, you have a “pyramid of power” unequalled in the rental housing industry.
But, even with a great lobbying team we need to advocate to people who will listen to our rental housing point of view.
Again, that’s where you come in. We have a very important election on June 8. Help us by electing people who care about housing.
Who can raise your taxes? Only government.
Who can mandate rent control? Only government.
Who can force unit inspections? Only government.
Who can raise water rates? Only government.
Who can fine you? Only government.
Know about the candidates running in your area. Find out how they stand on increasing taxes. Discover if they want to fine landlords or charge for new inspections.
Vote and vote with knowledge.
Remember, all it takes for evil to triumph is for a few good people to do nothing.
PLEASE VOTE!
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