A Time For Change

Over the last six years, I have had the honor and the responsibility of being the committee chairman of the PAC (Political Action Committee). Thanks to the efforts of past president David Choo, past and present CMA board members, and past committee chairmen we have a level of funding far exceeding anything we have done before. Part of this is due to the growth of CMA and part of it is due to creating a greater awareness amongst our members as to the “very real threat” to our industry by well meaning but ill informed State legislators. They sometimes propose legislation that does little to actually help the average home-owner and, in many cases, restricts our ability to assist the home-owner who needs a quick loan.

Over my many years as chairman, I have been ably assisted by two great volunteers, Mel Babtkis of Ross Diversified and Kevin Hubbard of PLM Lender Services. They have assisted me in bringing the PAC funding issue to the forefront of our membership. They have always been of great assistance in promoting the sale of raffle tickets, and promoting the benefits of having a well funded PAC. The success of our PAC funding is in great measure due to their efforts, and I will miss the many discussions and comradery I have had with my two PAC rats.

I would also like to recognize the tremendous efforts of our two Legislative Advocates Mike Arnold and Mike Belote. Needless to say, they are our eyes and ears in Sacramento. They are informative, insightful and on a good day you might even catch them with a smile on their face. It would take me several pages to describe the accomplishments of this dynamic duo on our behalf. Through the use of our PAC funds, they have been able to present our side of the story to the key people making decisions that directly effect our business. Through their tireless efforts, most of the bad legislation has been dropped and the bills that have gotten through have been modified in such a manner that it doesn’t put us out of business. Unfortunetly, the same can’t be said about the Federal “Safe Act.”

As to my replacement, our President has selected Julia Wei, Attorney at Law, with the law firm of Peter Brewer. For the last two years she has been CMA’s committee chairperson for technology. Julia is very excited about her new responsibilities and I know she will do a great job. She will bring new ideas and energy to our PAC fund raising. Her first Seminar was in Las Vegas. I know you will give her your support and encouragement.

Lastly, I would like to personally thank all of you for your support and kind words over the last six years. It has meant a great deal to me.

Gordon Getz, AKA the PAC man