This time last year I predicted that 2007 was going to be a very busy year—I was right. Actually, more so than I thought.
The Government Affairs Committee (see photo below) and TABA Home-PAC have been working on a variety of projects and making a number of considerations to make sure that the interests of the home building industry are protected locally and statewide.
On the government affairs side, the projects that we’ve been tracking and participating in this year have included the Temple Comprehensive Plan, multiple issues that are identified as Strategic Investment Zone initiatives (basically City of Temple beautification strategies), the creation of a Municipal Storm Water Program, a Building Code Update, and a very successful effort to impact a permit fee hike in Salado.
On the Home-PAC side, we’ve had an outstanding year. Dating back to a tremendous February Rally Day event in Austin where 22 of our leaders teamed to lobby our legislative officials about building related legislation and helped promote a successful effort to bring a 4 year medical school to Temple.
The realization of this medical school took a well coordinated effort between many local leaders including businessmen, elected officials, and city leaders.
The culmination of this effort produced millions of dollars in state funding that will provide for the medical school and have a tremendous local economic impact for the foreseeable future.
TABA and Home-PAC have also been busy touting the benefits of our organization and our industry. This was most highlighted at our Elected Officials Dinner where Tri-Supply and Jeldwen provided a forum for us to shout the economic benefits of the housing industry to more than 300 folks.
You can expect more of the same next year as GAC will continue reviewing a variety of local initiatives. For example, the Temple Comprehensive Plan in and of itself is so significant that you can bet it will be a genesis of what is considered for Temple development policy over the next 20 years.
Home-PAC will also have its work cut out as 2008 is a Presidential election year and there are a number of races we are already discussing. It is imperative that we retain or add elected officials that will hear us out when we have issues we want to discuss about laws that they are considering.
We are never more than a residential fire sprinkler requirement or an increase to our permit fees away from pricing people out of the home ownership market. Our members need to be knowledgeable of this fact.
The bottom line is that in Bell County for every $1,000 increase to the median priced home; more than 250 families are prevented from affording that home. The trickle down effect prevents about 600 families from being able to afford an $85,000 entry level home.
THANK YOU GAC & Home PAC!
With the above in mind we all have some people to thank for going above and beyond in doing their part to keep our area among the most affordable markets in which to own a home in the nation.
Under the leadership of Pat Patterson, the GAC (see below) has worked their tales off this year to make sure that no new law or regulation was imposed on the building community without full review.
Please join me in thanking Pat and his committee for all that they have done to support your industry. Pat has been chairman of the GAC for the past couple of years. He is about to turn the gavel over to Mike Pilkington so that he can give more time to his family, business and other endeavors he’d like to pursue. Fortunately, Pat will remain a member of the GAC so we won’t be losing his services altogether.
I personally would like to thank Pat for being my mentor over the past two years and for taking the time to make sure that TABA remains an effective advocate for the our builders and associate members. Not only do I thank Pat, but I thank his wife Ellen, and son/business partner David for taking up the slack while Pat was away providing support to his industry.
I’d also like to recognize Chairman Jason Carothers and the Home-PAC trustees for looking out for our industry on the political front. These folks have spent hours making sure we put our support behind pro-growth leaders and positive quality of life measures that will benefit the housing industry for years to come.
In fact, City Council, County Commissioner and the race for House District 55 are already being discussed in great detail at our office at 12 North 5th. If you are a Home-PAC member, please contact our trustees to let them know your opinions about these or any other races we’ll be considering in 2008.
Additionally, when you are driving around town and see folks using the new Temple parks facilities or upgrades to local schools and grounds, remember that your organization was involved in promoting these community improvements.
My whole hearted thank you is offered to all of our TABA leaders. Cheryl and I look forward to working under the leadership of Derrick Hunt of Drews Hunt Builders in 2008. Derrick is partners with TABA past – president Gerald Drews. Gerald has been the leader of this organization 3 different times. I’ve no doubt he’ll be a valued resource to Derrick in the coming year.
Derrick has said many times that he has some big shoes to fill this year. Mike Pilkington has done an excellent job as TABA President and I very much look forward to working with Mike as he takes the reigns on TABA GAC in the coming year.
Have a Merry Christmas TABA members! Your association staff look forward to serving you in 2008.
