Two new Industry in Focus reports drew cheers from numerous industry business and association leaders from coast to coast. Sources close to George F. Allen and Danny Ghorbani whispered they met the reports with jeers – and in concert with their close knit group of cross-promoters – are already discussing potential response tactics. Ken Rishel provide a spirited defense of Allen, his ally, in a one page article in an emailed document. But A Manufactured Controversy? shredded Rishel’s defense, including by quoting Allen himself as indicating he is starting a ‘new association’ because he can’t sell his business interests to prepare for his desired retirement.
Danny Ghorbani, president of MHARR, allegedly attempted to divert attention by issuing a statement on a different topic. A source in the MHARR camp informed MHProNews about a division in their association. One faction favors working more closely with the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI), while another backs Ghorbani out of a sense of loyalty for a man willing to fight for what the HUD Code ought to give our Industry by law.
A source told MHProNews that the challenge is that Ghorbani, while smart and talented, is a bridge burner. That source and others have said they have personally watched Danny as an “equal opportunity” attacker of U.S. Senators, Congressmen, regulators and/or their respective staffs when he doesn’t get his way. “They (public officials) simply don’t want to talk to him.” the source told us. “That makes it hard for Ghorbani to be an effective association leader.” Another said, “MHARR’s factories could save 6 figures a year and quadruple their policy impact overnight. When will they figure that out?” The report on threats made by Ghorbani is in Industry In Focus, linked here.
“The phones lit up Monday morning and our email brought numerous kudos messages,” said MHProNews publisher L. A. ‘Tony’ Kovach. “There was one light defense of Ghorbani and one of Allen. But most of our readers feedback agreed, with some congently pointing out that the industry has only advanced its agenda in DC when MHI, MHARR and MHEC (Manufactured Housing Executives Committee) all worked together.”
“There is no doubt that Ghorbani and Allen have small pockets of support.” Kovach said. “But as our Masthead’s blog, Bring it On! analysis demonstrates, their own supporters are arguably among the most harmed by the divisive actions of these two ‘anti-leaders.’ They are similar in the sense (that) they both attack MHI, but they never stop to think that the lack of unity, which their published negative missives foment, harm everyone.”
“Logically, that includes their own constituencies of Allen’s ‘small communities,’ and MHARR’s independent manufacturer.” Kovach added.
A Manufactured Controversy? quotes MHI CEO Dick Jennison and includes downloadable documents. MHI declined comment on the Ghorbani threats article. “MHI routinely keeps it positive or silent about MHARR publicly, depending on how MHARR’s president behaves.” Kovach observed. Links to each of the stories and the related downloadable documents are found in red above. ##
(Photo: George F. Allen (l), Danny Ghorbani (r))
