Raise Your REALTOR® Voice

Tuesday, April 24^th is Election Day in Pennsylvania!  Have you set aside time to go vote, and reminded others that voting is a privilege in America? Click here to look up your polling location. The new voter photo i.d. law passed in Pennsylvania does not take effect until the General Election in November, however first-time voters should be prepared to present a photo i.d. Need a bit of persuasion on why all elections are important, including this primary?  Chew on this . . .

Requesting an Absentee Ballot

Not going to be in town to vote on Tuesday, April 24th?  RAMP Government Affairs shows you how easy it is to request your Absentee Ballot, but you must do so by April 17th . . .

Deadline to Register to Vote is Monday, March 26th

The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming Primary is Monday, March 26th.  Are YOU registered?  (Are you sure?!)  Here's an easy way to check . . . .

Current State Legislative Lines - one more time?

Both sides of the legislative aisle have bickered virtually nonstop about the newly draw PA legislative district over the past few months.  The PA Supreme Court rejected the newly drawn districts in a 4-3 decision on January 25th, and ordered that the 2001 lines be used until a new map could be drawn and approved.  Now comes worries that a plan may not be approved in time for the PA primary election on April 24th, and both voters and candidates are confused as to which districts they live in, let alone who may appear on their ballot.  It's jamming up the process of obtaining the proper signatures for nominating petitions, too. Are you registered to vote?

VOTE! Get the 411 on where and when . . .

There is one appointment that should be on all REALTORS® calendars for Tuesday, November 8th . . . VOTING!  Voting is a privilege, one that should be handled with the utmost of care, and certainly an appointment worthy on your calendar.  Local elections have the most dismal turnout of any election, with as low as 20% of all eligible voters in some places.  The myth still exists that what happens at the federal level affects a person most, hence the highest turnout in a presidential cycle.  As REALTORS®, you know that it's the local scene -- the municipality and the school district -- that have the most direct effect on a person's daily life and pocketbook.  Now show it by carrying out your civic responsibility!

Requesting an Absentee Ballot

Take a look at your calendar and tell me what’s on your agenda for Tuesday, November 8^th . . . go ahead, I’ll wait while you check . . .  did you see the notation that says “GO VOTE”?  If not, why not?  Voting is a privilege, not a right, and should be handled with the utmost diligence and care.  But let's say you already know you will be out of town that day, or for some reason unable to make it to the polls . . . now what?  Let's RAMP Government Affairs help you request the Absentee Ballot so your vote counts and your opinion expressed . . .

All Assessment, All the Time

It sure feels like it, doesn't it?  Nearly every day we are seeing articles, quotes, pleas for relief, and even legislation bandied about.  Of course the countdown to Election Day makes the issue an even more provocative water cooler topic.  You will recall Judge Wettick's deep concerns over how delayed valuations will negatively affect the City of Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Public Schools, which operate budgets on a calendar year and therefore collect taxes by May.  This differs from many suburban municipalities and school districts, which are more likely to pass budgets in the summer months or mid-year.  Most recent numbers given by the Pittsburgh City Schools estimate nearly $2 million in borrowing costs due to the delayed valuations not being handed out until February 2012, and then certified in April 2012 or later.  70,000 property owners are expected to appeal their assessment.  How is one of the County Chief Executive Candidates responding?  By asking the Pittsburgh City School District to reject the new values.  Click here and here to read more.  County Council is considering legislation to target inequities.  Click here to learn more.  
State Senator and REALTOR® Wayne Fontana has announced his intention to re-introduce Assessment Moratorium Legislation.  Click here for his press release. . . .

"All Politics Is Local"

"All politics is local" is an oft-repeated quote attributed to former U.S. Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill.  REALTORS® know how important location is, the effect it has on the value of a property, the perception of the community, and the attractiveness of a school district.  The decisions made by elected officials who serve at municipal level, as well as on school boards, have an enormous impact on a neighborhood.  This fall, your general election ballot will be full of local races for positions representing municipalities and school boards...