Association's Direct Involvment with Lobbying

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by gromicko

There are still members who favor having double to triple the number of competitors they currently have to compete with in their markets, and so we don't always fight against licensing because apparently some members want to be overrun by competitors who are just as "licensed" as they are.

The truth is, Nick, that many brand new inspectors who mistakenly think they will benefit by licensing ACTUALLY ARE those extras that will be added to the pool, which is why they are supporting and pushing for licensing bills.

Right now, they are forced to compete against experienced inspectors who have established businesses. As new inspectors, not able to compete against experience, they choose to fight for licensing that will "even the playing field" and give them "equal billing".

Raising the fees will come as a result of repealing laws that are now indirectly or directly controlling the prices for home inspections.

[jclark1]

If we are for or against state legislation in a general sense is a moot point. If legislation is being proposed in a state (as it is in Washington)it should be written with the involvement of NACHI. We keep allowing ASHI to basically write the legislation with no active participation (or so it seems). The makeup of our "advisory board" is all ASHI and NAHI. The three NACHI members are not even active members. And the "independent" is the husband and business partner of one of the ASHI members on the comittee.
I'm not saying it's an us against them situation, but AHSI takes an active part and stays on top of all proposed legislation. SHould we not be doing the same? Shouldn't that be a part of membership benefits? Should we continue to, as an organization, keep burying our heads in the sand?

[Doug Edwards]

Is there anything stopping any Nachi inspector from stepping up and fill those vacancies? If anyone is waiting for an invitation from the ASHI and NAHI guys I wouldn't sit by the mailbox. I do not pretent to know the local situation but as in most places everyone is waiting for someone else to do it.

[lcapaul]

Originally Posted by wdecker

Lewis;

I agree.

That is why I believe that NACHI chould not get involved in legislation in states. I also agree that the other associations shouldn't as well.

But because one is, they all (including NACHI) have to be in order to cover their butts and their membership's butts.

I believe that state lobbying is best left to those in the states. You know, it's called federalism.

But, since they asked my preferance, I voted.

My point is that NACHI is not a Representative Organization, no one is elected, members have no vote on Nick's Lobbying. Some members are under the mistaken idea that we pay Dues, we pay a membership fee, which is quite different.

In Washinton State for example, Nick appoint and paid Jerry Domagala, but it had to be to Represent Nick's Idea's because no NACHI Member that I know of in Washington was asked for any input either on the Representative or the policies.

NACHI probably does have to get involved because other Associations are, but none of those Associations, including NACHI Represent me or my business, what ever proposals the Associations put forth, aren't mine, it's kind of like Taxation without representation. What Nick believes good for NACHI is not necessarily good for my, or anyone elses business.

When it comes to fighting over State Legislation some of us may end up on the side fighting NACHI and Nick, will that violate the COE?

[wforsyth]

In Washinton State for example, Nick appoint and paid Jerry Domagala, but it had to be to Represent Nick's Idea's because no NACHI Member that I know of in Washington was asked for any input either on the Representative or the policies.

Actually Nick asked me to find out the representative information for Washington state. I'm the one who got it together for him so that he could get started on lobbying Wa State.
Not everything is posted on the bb.

[wforsyth]

Originally Posted by dedwards

Is there anything stopping any Nachi inspector from stepping up and fill those vacancies? If anyone is waiting for an invitation from the ASHI and NAHI guys I wouldn't sit by the mailbox. I do not pretent to know the local situation but as in most places everyone is waiting for someone else to do it.

That's exactly right. No one needs permission to represent their own opinions in the legislature.

[jclark1]

Originally Posted by wforsyth

Actually Nick asked me to find out the representative information for Washington state. I'm the one who got it together for him so that he could get started on lobbying Wa State.
Not everything is posted on the bb.

Please tell me it has not come to this.

[wforsyth]

Originally Posted by jclark1

Please tell me it has not come to this.

LOL,
This was actually earlier this year I believe before he hired Jerry.