Dictionary Reference defines Coup d’état definition as, “a sudden and decisive action in politics, especially one resulting in a change of government …”
We won’t say the dates, but what follows is a true MH story.
1) MH Coup d’etat
Once upon a time, a duo of MH personalities decided to overthrow the leadership in a certain state’s MH Association. In concert with a few allies, they ejected the group’s state exec. They replaced him with their own hand-picked executive. They proceeded to gain access to information that passes through the association chain, and to leverage that state’s position to their mutual benefit.
In short, once in power, they did what is common to any coup d’etat. They used positions of authority to their own advantage.
Some will admire that, while others will be turned off. But the answer or lesson is, get and stay engaged.
2) Next…A ‘Third’ MH Party?
In U.S. Politics, a two major party political system (Democrats and Republicans) has been common for longer than living Americans remember. In the MH Associations world, there are two national groups, MHI and MHARR. There has been talk from time to time of creating a ‘third national association’ – and even a group that claims to be one – but that “COBA7” group does very little of what state association execs say is common to MH associations.
The talk of a third national association grows, fueled in part by frustration with a lack of progress in DC, allegations of a lack of transparency from Arlington to members, and other factors.
If things grow worse, a lesson discussed among those who know about the “MH Coup d’etat” and are frustrated with MHI, is that planned, organized effort can succeed in gaining control of an organization. As Ronald Reagan famously told his followers who were pushing for a third party:
“Our people look for a cause to believe in. Is it a third party we need, or is it a new and revitalized second party, raising a banner of no pale pastels, but bold colors which make it unmistakably clear where we stand on all of the issues troubling the people?” – Ronald Reagan.
The Masthead isn’t predicting a revolt or a third association. Facts and analysis are not to be mistaken for advocacy.
We are stating – as a fact – that the level of frustration among operations from small to larger with MHI is growing.
Are there still MHI loyalists, who think that the association works just fine as it is? Of course there are. We hear from those across the spectrum of camps within MHI.
But that fact also underscores that the divides within MHI are real and they are growing.
As an observation, staff and elected leadership are wise to reassess what is taking place, lest the grumblings and talk turn into open revolt or a third association is forged.
Perhaps a listening or feedback system needs to be instituted to better insure that the interests of the majority are implemented?
3) Third…Illegal Action
Each of these bold, black subheadings are different topics – please don’t confuse or conflate the opening, Next or Third, etc..
There is another allegation – this one is of a violation of federal law – pointed at a group (not a company or corporation, and not a national association) in MH.
When their legally questionable action was brought to their attention, rather than comply with the legal requirements, the group stuck defiantly to their position. So much so, that they pointed to their stance in writing. They first stuck to their posture before they were questioned, then again after the legal concerns were raised – and validity of those concerns were confirmed – by a federal attorney.
Amazing. And a highly avoidable Ouch…stay tuned.
4) MH Fireworks
MH has had more than its share of media fireworks of late. Apparently the potential lessons learned from biased mainstream media reporting did not deflect or resonate with those in charge of said group.
Links to our public rebuttals to those slanted media accounts about Clayton et al are here and PBS here. We’ve been thanked a lot for covering these issues in a way that will show serious researchers that MH has been the victim of slanted media attacks.
While MHProNews has added details in hand on topic 4, it seems prudent to sit on these at present, given the other drama facing the industry. We don’t need more problematic attention in MH, do we? What we do need is jiu jitsu.
Some stories are better for MH when we hint at them. Other topics may go unreported, or are reported on later. Not to cover up, but rather to avoid making things worse. As a trade publisher, we seek the good of the MH industry and those we seek to serve.
Those involved should revisit their allegedly illegal actions, and change course.
5) Another, different topic – MHI grows…
In spite – or because? – of the new media driven headwinds in DC, MHI is loading up on new paid staffers. Stating the obvious, hiring talent in the DC metro isn’t cheap.
Tim Williams, MHI Chair confirmed for us the fact that a media relations person is being hunted.
I met Thomas E Heinemann the new VP of Federal Government Affairs, who is reportedly working under Lesli Gooch at MHI.
How will this play out in the light of #2, above? Time will tell. But one comment from an MHI member about the new hire that came in via email on this topic read as follows: “No one knew! Staff found out because they moved people around in the office. Some are now working remotely even though they live in the DC area. The new hire was supposed to be top secret like the release of the prisoners in Iran. What a joke.”
Please see the comments at the end of #2, above.
6) Next…The FHFA GSE DTS controversy
Word some months ago was that MH chattel loans being included in Duty to Serve (DTS) manufactured housing by the Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs – Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) was going to be “a done deal.”
There are concerns how the private meeting between FHFA and MHI went. The question has been posed is, did something occur that made things go sideways?
We’d like to see the minutes of that meeting produced by the FHFA. As a signal of transparency, MHI could send them a memo – with said memo to be made public – asking and agreeing to the minutes of the FHFA/MHI meeting to be made public.
As Ronald Reagan famously said, “Trust but verify.”
7) Flash Report – Shifting Gears, Louisville
Today’s final topic – or teaser for more detailed reports to come – is going to be the 2016 Louisville Show.
The overall reports of the show were positive. There was no one we spoke to that said they regretted coming, quite the opposite. While some factors – weather perhaps? – kept one or two exhibitors from manning their paid-for booth, all others were front and center for the all-indoor show’s start.
Final culling of attendance numbers are not yet in. “Zack,” who works the registration said that a number of badges went unclaimed. Total numbers – including no-shows were about what they totaled last year, according to those in the know.
All in all, given that old man winter is hitting hard the next few days, the show demonstrated it is now more resilient. Clients of our sister marketing operations reported good outcomes at Louisville. Others we spoke with said the same. Some said that despite the weather, it was one of the best show in years.
We’ll have more detailed reports as soon as the final numbers become available.
Wrapping up, Looking ahead…
We will plan to be in DC in early February. We are going to Tunica too in March too.
Speaking of the Tunica Manufactured Housing Show, we are going to confirm a significant, surprise development. We’ll be doing the education at Tunica the Tuesday before the opening of the main show, to allow maximum time with displayed homes and exhibitors.
Please watch for news and views on that and other topics from here on the Masthead blog, Daily Business News and elsewhere on MHProNews.com. ##
