I just discovered that RECIB PAC has made political contributions to Holly and Joy for their primary election. Can anyone tell me anything about this organization and/or why they would be interested in the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners Election???? In the meantime I will continue to search on my own to see what I can come up with. I would be interesting to find out what other PAC’s have made contributions to our County Commission Candidates??? How do you go about finding out election finance facts such as who gave what to whom????
I did find this link:
http://www.rebic.com/2008%20SPPACE%20Financial%20Support.html
I now know why but I still don’t know how much or what is expected of them. I hate PAC’s.
It might be interesting to note that this PAC has also contributed $2000.00 several times to the now convicted NC State Representative Jim Black and several other Democrates in Mecklenburg County over the years. But that figures, PAC’s are in the business of buying politicians.
Subscribe to RSS Feed
Subscribe via E-mail
31 responses so far ↓
1 Rev. Mike // Apr 26, 2008 at 8:28 pm
REBIC is the Real Estate and Building Industry Coalition, an interest group for the realtors, developers and builders. They lobby on their behalf. What you need is a PAC of your own that gives them more money than they do, and then they’ll listen to you instead.
2 Rev. Mike // Apr 26, 2008 at 8:30 pm
By the way, if you don’t end up with real estate transfer taxes and impact fees so that your elected officials can grow the government a little more, you can thank REBIC, among others. I don’t know where you stand on that, but personally, I think that’s a good thing.
3 Steve Smith // Apr 26, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Hey Rev
Maybe we could start taxing church property….I’ll bet you would be “up in arms” about that. Or maybe we could increase the property taxes by 25% or do away with retirement and make everyone work until they die. I think that no taxes would be a good thing too but that not possible. You tell us then, whats the answer…I know that politicians that have been bought by the PAC’s are not the answer and so do you.
4 Aaron // Apr 26, 2008 at 11:34 pm
PAC stands for Political Action Committee. That’s exactly what it is. It’s a committee for political action set up by a group of people who push a specific agenda. Also called special interests.
You’ll be happy to know that m-m-millions of dollars of membership fees for the AARP goes to PAC money for contributions to folks like these. So when you’re opining about retirement and medical care for retiree’s and how PAC’s are all bad, you’re railing agianst the same folks who are spearheading the purchasing of politicians to vote for all those nifty government handouts to folks your talking about.
I on the other hand think that all PAC’s are bad. Including the ones that work to support my industry.
5 Bob Carruth // Apr 26, 2008 at 11:56 pm
Rev. Mike - as a commissioner, I am constitutionally bound to provide for a sound, basic education for the children of Cabarrus County. 100% of funding for school construction comes out of the local economy. If we don’t have money coming in from adequacy fees or transfer taxes, then we have no other place to go than property taxes to pay for schools.
My concern with REBIC is not that they pretend to champion for the taxpayer, but they have been adamantly opposed to any reasonable measure or compromise in our community to manage growth in such a way so that our taxes don’t go sky high, or that we our quality of life goes in down the toilet.
Here are the areas that SPPACE (The PAC of REBIC) is concerned about, from their website:
Local governments and the General Assembly are constantly considering policies and issues that could dramatically impact (positively or negatively) the real estate industry. For example, the following issues have been under consideration:
Smart Growth
Tree Ordinances
Signage Restrictions
Storm Water/Erosion Control Issues
Impact Fees
Transfer Taxes
Urban Growth Boundaries
Zoning Ordinance Changes
Uniform Development Ordinances
Moratoriums
APFO’s
Housing Costs / Benefit Study
Subdivision Ordinance Changes
These are only a few of the many issues REBIC monitors and addresses for the Real Estate and Building Industry throughout the year. SPPACE helps to ensure that the views of our industry are heard.
Has anyone seen anything in Joy Lane’s website or campaign materials where she has stated she is supported by, and aligned with, the building and real estate lobby?
6 Bob Carruth // Apr 27, 2008 at 12:00 am
BTW -
I will spend a little less that $2,000 in this primary campaign. All of my contributions have come from private citizens, with one individual giving me $1,000, and 3-4 other ones giving me $100. The balance of my contributions have been from folks giving me $50 or less.
In the past, the only PAC that has contributed to my campaign has been the Cabarrus Regional Business Coalition in 2000 and again in 2004. I guess they agreed with my assertion that when our local business community prospers, then our citizens have jobs, their lives improve, and the rising tide raises all boats in the water.
7 Justin Thibault // Apr 27, 2008 at 1:25 am
Steve - Solid post.
By the way, Cheap Seats fans you are reading the 500th post on this blog.
Before you jump on Rev. Mike - I’m going to give him a little bit of a pass for a few reasons:
1) He’s a nuke - like I was and/or might be in the future (EPRI moves me from the atom-smashing division to the dirt burning division rather capriciously)
2) He’s an ENTP - like me.
3) In Mecklenburg County - he’s fighting the good fight. If here were in Cabarrus County: he’d be someone many of us couldn’t stand. Rev. Mike actually did a lot of work in Charlotte last year on this very subject.
8 Rev. Mike // Apr 27, 2008 at 10:59 am
Thanks, Justin.
Tax church property? Fine by me, Steve, but all the other restrictions on non-profit go out the window, too. Do we really want that? My preference, though, regarding taxes is that less is more. In Mecklenburg County, we could do well to say no to more. Instead, we let our crappy school system fall down around us while we fund everything from arenas to arts centers to NASCAR Halls of Fame to downtown baseball … the list goes on.
For the past four years I have served on the Mecklenburg County Citizens’ Capital Budget Advisory Committee, an advisory committee for our County Commission. My perspective on REBIC is generally much like that of many of you who’ve commented, but it is offset a bit by my personal acquaintance with their Deputy Executive Director, Tim Morgan. Tim also served on this Committee, as well as on the School Building Solutions Committee, a.k.a., the Martin Committee, and his service was invaluable.
If you’re not aware, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is asking for a bond referendum in the amount of roughly $350 MILLION to be on the ballot this November to cover their plans for the next five years. Set in the context of an equally large request from the Sheriff’s Department for jail facilities and a $516 million referendum for schools last November (which will be followed up next year by another similarly-sized request), Mecklenburg County is rapidly running up the credit card in order to justify the “need” for these “alternate revenue streams.” In REBIC’s defense, they have supplied the CCBAC with the only alternative interpretation of the community’s need for parks and recreation facilities available to us. I won’t go into all the details unless you’re all interested. By bringing their alternate expertise to the table, I have other options for understanding the community’s needs than just taking the County staff’s word for it. Obviously, that’s wide open for abuse, but we have to exercise discernment and judgment in what we take for the truth when people make their cases. I don’t think limiting who gets the microphone is the right answer either.
All I’m saying is that this particular lobby is a double-edged sword, like most interest groups, because they’re there to lobby for their own interest. For many of us, that corresponds to our interest as well because affordable housing is in everyone’s interest. High taxes generally aren’t, unless you live in Cabarrus County, in which case, high taxes in Mecklenburg County are very much in your interest.
9 Caleb Seamone // Apr 27, 2008 at 12:39 pm
I think I can tell you why this PAC donated money to them.
First off, one of the member firms in the PAC is Central Carolina Association of Realtors, of which Holly Blackwelder was on the board of directors for this firm from 2002-2005 and was the chair in 2004.
Another member firm is Central Carolina Association of Realtors, of which Joy Lane is the Executive Director.
There are two other PACs that are inclusive to those in the real estate business, and they are BUILD PAC and NC RPAC, both of which Joy Lane avidly supports and even encourages local realtors to join and donate money to.
Is this an early sign of special interests trying to move in and buy some “real estate” in our county commissioner election?
10 Caleb Seamone // Apr 27, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Ah, sorry for the typo, the one that Holly Blackwelder worked for is Cabarrus County Building Industry Association.
11 Larry M. Burrage // Apr 27, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Author,Larry Burrage
To All ,
I also received a letter and Questionnaire from SPPACE on behalf of their interest in my views on behalf of their agenda,and a possible contribution to my campaign.I immediately filled out their form and answered against their position on all issues asked about.
I thanked them for their offer but emphatically denied and refused any association with their support and faxed my reply on March 06 2008. I also Disagree with all PACS’ And Lobbyists they serve only their own personal interests with your contributions.
12 Larry M. Burrage // Apr 27, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Author Larry Burrage
To All,
In Reference to churches paying taxes.I definitely agree with the business they are all engaged in and all of the real estate holdings etc. should not be exempt.The Only Exempt Status should be where the congregation worships in and legitimate gifts and donations to pay for building ,Pastor s,and all supplies and expenses necessary to operate a non-profit 501-c in accordance with their charter and mission to the community.
Locally we have an excessive amount of business that should be taxed that is under the umbrella of the CHURCH??????????
These are almost like the days when in the Bible,Jesus ,Became angry and tore down their Trading and selling,and said you have made my house a den of thieves.It Is A House Of Prayer.This Is Not A Quote It Is Paraphrased.
It Is Time To Set the real issues out and not be so sensitive about our personal views.
Although they do usually make up a great part of who we are.
Larry M. Burrage
13 Justin Thibault // Apr 27, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Larry & Steve - You don’t think the AARP represents your interests? Or the Republican Party? They both have PACs.
I can think of several PACs that represent my interests: Professional societies, the Cabarrus Regional Business PAC, the Cabarrus County Republican Men’s Club, etc
I personally have nothing against PACs…they are people exercising their First Amendment freedom to associate. I do think that they must be properly regulated by controlling the levels of contributions and have reporting requirements. Anybody running for office would do well to ally with PACs they agree with as early as possible to get money, support groups, etc.
The question is why would the REBIC back both Joy & Holly? Those two are quite different from each other.
14 Steve Smith // Apr 27, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Justin and Aaron
I don’t belong to the AARP because they don’t , in fact, represent my interests. The AARP is a hugh Insurance Agent with no care for the Seniors whatsoever. If you don’t believe it, sign up one time and see how many Insurance Offers that you get in the mail. Their support for Medicare Part D was the biggest sell out to the insurance and pharmacy industries, known to mankind. The day AARP endorced Medicare Part D, I flushed my AARP membership card down the “John” and apoligized to the folks at the sewage treatment plant. again, I state, I hate PAC’s
15 Steve Smith // Apr 27, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Here’s an ironic quote from Ms. Joy Lane’s web site:
“Q. Aren’t you just going to take the side of real estate agents, builders and developers in any question?
A. Absolutely not! My job is my job, I have to make a living just like everyone else. I’ve been doing this job for a long time and I do it well. But…my opinions are just that, my opinions, I will be voting the Joy Lane way and no other way.”
I would ask Ms Lane to come on this blog and explain “the Joy Lane Way” and Ms Blackwelder as well. They need to explain how they can take SPPACE money and not have their intregrety questioned. Its clear over the past ten (10) years that REBIC (SPPACE) has not had the best interests of the Cabarrus County Tax Payer or Citizen at heart.
16 Justin Thibault // Apr 27, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Steve -
So, what issue do you have with the GOP as a PAC?
17 Larry M. Burrage // Apr 28, 2008 at 8:10 am
Author Larry Burrage
To Steve
My Sentiments Exactly abour AARP.They also support many immoral issues ,They are not as they promote themselves. Appreciate your integrity Steve.PACS indicate in their name alone,they are political action committees.What is the difference whether it is for this group or that group,It still Equates itself to support their agenda and promote their Cause not the Contributors,That is our Largest problem in Washington all the way to here.
Larry M. Burrage
18 Tom Small // Apr 28, 2008 at 11:43 pm
You guys are kidding, right? REBIC has a mission I’m sure. I’m just as sure that it does not encompass the best interests of Cabarrus taxpayers. It is not their job. They, like any group promote their own self-interests, just as we all do.
On the taxing of church property, if the writer knows there is a church is misrepresenting the use of church owned property to avoid property taxes, you need to report it. There is a procedure for tax exemption of church property and it reasonably rigid.
19 Cabarrus Cheap Seats // Apr 29, 2008 at 1:00 am
Probably the Closest Thing We’ll Get To A Debate ’round Here…
Holly and Liz participated in a series of comments that might give you some insights to them as candidates. Bob Carruth even joined the fray.
This seems to be the closest thing we’ll get to an exchange between the candidates for the primary.
Th…
20 Justin Thibault // Apr 29, 2008 at 1:06 am
Tom - What is my self-interest for running this blog?
21 Steve Smith // Apr 29, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Tom
If REBIC does not have my best interests at heart then why would I vote for someone who takes money from them. Everyone knows that if you take money from a PAC then you are going to be beholden to them. I can only assume that Holly and Joy will now be beholden to REBIC now for sure if they wern’t already. Both of them hold membership in REBIC or belong to groups that do according to their own campaign literature. Anytime a candidate accepts money from a special interest group (PAC), their motives become suspect.
22 Aaron // Apr 29, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Steve:
I’ll re-state Justin’s Question:
So, what issue do you have with the GOP as a PAC?
23 Caleb Seamone // Apr 29, 2008 at 5:03 pm
technically speaking, the GOP isn’t a PAC, its a political party. A PAC raises money to promote its own interests, and must donate to at least 3 or 4 candidates, otherwise its in violation of the ever popular McCain Feingold Campaign Finance Law. Political Parties are a necessity in the form of government we have in the United States. They allow someone to be held accountable for their actions in office (Governor X was a Democrat, he was terrible, I’ll vote Republican). This is why we run as Republicans, Democrats, and Independents instead of the REBIC party, or the NRA party, or the Code Pink Party. These groups just try to buy up political power. Big difference between a PAC and a party.
24 Justin Thibault // Apr 29, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Caleb - I’ll grant you the point - technically. At the state level, Political Parties are treated differently bylaw, too; but they do have PACs that operate within them.
The point that I’m making is that everyone is represented by some special interest - just how well is a different story.
25 Steve Smith // Apr 29, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Aaron and Justin
Yea! Thats right. What Caleb said!!!!
26 Justin Thibault // Apr 30, 2008 at 7:53 am
Steve - So, you’re against the NRA?
27 Caleb Seamone // Apr 30, 2008 at 11:48 am
Justin
That might have been better posted under the make your own NC GOP ad. I wasn’t trying to point out that all PAC’s are bad, or say that I was against the NRA for pursuing their own interests politically, because personally, I love the NRA, and I love clinging to my guns (and religion).
28 Rev. Mike // Apr 30, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Oh, Caleb … you must be very, very bitter about your lot in life then.
29 Justin Thibault // Apr 30, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Caleb - Got it. I’m just trying to point out to Steve that PACs aren’t all evil - and it’s really in the eye of the beholder.
If you’re voting for someone who says they don’t get PAC money - it’s usually because they can’t make a coherent case for their candidacy to the PAC.
30 Aaron // Apr 30, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Justin- Or, in the case of Obama, it’s because you’ve taken the money from the attorney’s who represent the PAC. That way, all those nifty commercials aren’t complete lies…
31 Dennis OConnor // May 3, 2008 at 4:21 pm
BTW folks, the AARP is not only an aggressive insurance agency, it also leans WAY left. Not a dime from this over 50 guy.
Leave a Comment