Who asked you to get involved with AATC? Was it a friend, colleague, supplier partner, or fellow real estate investor? Perhaps your boss “volun-told” you to attend an AATC career development class or sign up to serve on an AATC committee? You may have been asked to attend an AATC event like golf, trade show, or pickleball. Bottom-line, someone asked you.
Last month, Pillow Talk continued the personal aspect of advocacy by encouraging you to use your leadership skills to benefit your community by serving on a board or commission. This month, we explore political-candidate recruitment. Serving on a non-profit board positively impacts you and your community. Serving in elected office is the epitome of giving back. Have you ever thought about asking someone to run for public office?
Sometimes, a simple ask is all it takes. But who do you ask? The best place to find suitable candidates is within your sphere of influence. Consider the strong leaders you know. These people are the ones who organize events, show up, and do the work that needs to be done. They are active in their community, local non-profits, civic clubs, church, PTA, and arts council. They are doers! They are work-horses, not show-horses. The best part is that they do not need to be politically active. Look for folks that want to “do something,” not “be something.”
Advocacy tip: Make a list of 10 people that you believe should run for elected office. Ask five of your closest friends to do the same. Then arrange a meeting at which you and your friends compare your lists of names and select your top three candidates. Now, ask each candidate to run. Do not be surprised when one or all three say, “Thanks for asking!”
GRANGER NOT SEEKING REELECTION – AATC MEMBER CRAIG GOLDMAN RUNNING FOR CONGRESS – Long-serving Fort Waorth-area member of Congress and AATC friend Kay Granger (R – TX 12) announced that she is not seeking reelection to Congress. Granger chairs the powerful House Appropriations Committee. AATC and the entire DFW region will miss Granger’s leadership. The good news is that long-time AATC member and state representative Craig Goldman is running to replace Granger. AATC strongly supports Goldman, and NAA PAC will be donating $5,000 towards his campaign.
FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES HOUSING AFFORDABILITY STRATEGY– On October 17, the Fort Worth city council unanimously adopted an affordable housing strategy based on a study from Philadelphia-based consultancy InterFace Solutions. The plan calls for 3,000 additional affordable housing units. This study estimates that the cost to develop these units would be $300 million.
AATC ATTENDS TEXAS GOVERNOR ABBOTT FORT WORTH FUNDRAISER – AATC Board member and TAA Legislative Committee member John Gillespie (WAK), AATC long-time member Robbie Sebren-Burns (Legend Asset Management) and staff members Kevin Pellegrino and Perry Pillow attended a fundraising event in Fort Worth on October 5th Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R). Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, Congresswoman Kay Granger (R – TX 12), St. Sen. Kelly Hancock (R – SD 9), St. Sen. Brian Birdwell (R SD22), St. Rep. Craig Goldman (R – HD 97), St. Rep. Gio Caprigleone (R – HD 98), and Tarrant County District Attorney Phil Sorrels (R) were also in attendance.
TX/OU FUNDRAISERS 2023 – John Gillespie and Perry Pillow, along with TAA staff members Chris Newton, Sandy Hoy, and Kyle Jackson, attended St. Sen. Kelly Hancock’sHancock’s fundraiser in Dallas on October 6. Gillespie and Pillow presented Hancock with a $2,500 AATC PAC check. Pillow, along with Hoy and Jackson, attended Fort Worth St. Rep. Ramon Romero’s (D – HD90) fundraiser to give Romero a $500 AATC PAC check. AATC Past President Char McCurdy (Summit Properties) and Pillow attended St. Rep. Stephanie Klick (R – HD 91) and Dallas area St. Rep. Candy Noble (R – HD89) joint fundraiser.
NEW BEDFORD MAYOR & INSPECTION UPDATE– On October 10, Perry Pillow attended the swearing-in ceremony for new Bedford Mayor Dan Cogan. Cogan replaces Michael Boyter, who resigned. At this meeting, Pillow expressed to Mayor Cogan and city manager Jimmy Stathatos AATC’s commitment to work with the new mayor and city staff to resolve ongoing concerns with the city apartment inspection regime.
FY24 AATC MUNICIPAL FEE SURVEY AVAILABLE November 1ST- Texas cities and counties adopt their fiscal-year budgets, including taxes and fees, in October. Based on this information, AATC annually publishes on November 1 a Municipal Fee Survey for the twelve largest cities in Tarrant County. AATC’s Municipal Fee Survey includes population, ad valorum (property) tax rate, inspection/registration fee, and water rates. AATC posts this information on the AATC website under our Advocate section. Click on the following link (https://www.aatcnet.org/local-fees-and-taxes) to view the results.
CONTRIBUTE TO THE AATC PAC – AATC’s advocacy efforts depend on all our members doing their part to support candidates that align with AATC’s interests financially. Please contribute to the AATC PAC by clicking on the following link: https://form.jotform.com/220464310148143.
Perry Pillow is AATC’s Director of Government Affairs. For more information, contact Perry at ppillow@aatcnet.org or call 817-701-6353
