In his article “Hoping for Change Doesn’t Cut It”, Ross Kinzler from the Wisconsin Housing Alliance (WHA) used a term I would like to paraphrase, “partnering with government.”
Specifically, here is what Ross said:
“2. There will be no progress without agreement on an action plan to press the solutions with our government partners in the U.S. Congress and the various agencies. We can’t go to D.C. without a plan.
Some might shudder at my use of the term “government partners,” but you can’t participate in a federally-regulated industry and then declare war on your regulator. We need to develop a partnership with our regulator or don’t be surprised if they continue to take a hard line against us.”
You can see the entire article and the comment in context at this link:
http://www.mhmarketingsalesmanagement.com/featured-articles/october-2010/1071-hoping-for-change-doesnt-cut-it
There is pain aplenty out in the country, in our Industry and beyond. Physical pain is a signal from the body that something is wrong. Emotional or economic pain is also a signal that something has gone awry. Ross and scores of others are correct: restricted access to financing is part of that painful picture for our Industry. Regulatory and other log-jammed issues are part of that pain as well.
I can think of numerous state and other association executives that I admire – women and men – who know how to mix with public officials and legislators to get things done for their members.
Why should MHARR or MHI leaders mind if an ad hoc group of state association execs met with officials from HUD or other agencies? Not to get a third voice in DC, but to facilitate the communications and the efforts we as an Industry all want and need? This could be done by conference call; it can have a very low cost and essentially no risk other than time.
Most investors don’t put all their eggs in one basket, or even two. If the pitcher isn’t getting the job done, it doesn’t mean he is a bad pitcher, it just means today or this team may not be his best game. Why not send in a relief pitcher? Others can coach or share talking points. All analogies limp at some point, but you get the point. Let’s not sit on our hands, or merely decide to spend money, when another option or approach is available.
We have months between now and when the new Congress is seated. Why not use some of that time to set the stage for a productive effort? State execs… national execs, government regulators, why not a try a different approach to the dialogue? Why not sit down – by phone – and schedule a series of talks?
Who will pick up the phone or send out the email that can get that common sense effort started? # #
