By Rick Otterstrom, The President Speaks
In March, AAGLA’s Executive Director Jim Clarke, Government Affairs Coordinator Alex Comisar, State Legislative Advocate Steve Carlson, Director and Past President Larry Cannizzaro and I attended the National Apartment Association (NAA) Capital Conference in Washington D.C. We held membership and attended several key national committees that relate directly to AAGLA and our members.
Some of these included the Independent Rental Owners Committee (IROC), the National Suppliers Council, the National Membership Committee, the Government Affairs State and Local Issues Roundtable, and the National Legislative Committee. Jim Clarke and I are privileged to be included in NAA’s Leadership Training Program (Lyceum Program).
AAGLA has been a direct affiliate of the National Apartment Association for the past two years. We were happy and excited to be welcomed and participate with such a respected organization. Our affiliation has enabled AAGLA’s legislative influence on a national level.
After several days of business meetings, we spent March 14th on Capitol Hill lobbying several of our local Congressional Representatives on national issues of importance to our industry.
To continue this effort, help us, help you! Don’t forget our Presidential Primary Election is on June 5, 2012. All of the Assembly, Congressional, and half of the Senate offices will be up for election on this day.
The best way to insure good legislation is to elect good legislators. At the time, we are still interviewing candidates for these offices. However, we are currently supporting the following candidates:
· Raul Bocanegra
· Mike Gatto
· Jeff Gorell
· Bob Blumenfield
· Betsy Butler
· Norma Torres
· John Perez
· Holly Mitchell
· Tom Calderon
· Ian Calderon
· Reggie Jones-Sawyer
· Steve Bradford
· Isadore Hall
· Nathan Mintz
· Tom Daly
· Carol Liu
· Ricardo Lara
· Rod Wright
As a reminder, if you are not registered to vote, please register. We need everyone to help us gear up for Presidential Primary Election on June 5, 2012. If possible, vote by mail in May, whichever is easier on you – but don’t forget.
AAGLA’s Hosts 2nd Annual Maintenance Mania
On March 29th, AAGLA, in partnership with the National Apartment Association, hosted its second annual “Maintenance Mania” to recognize the crucial importance of maintenance technicians in the apartment industry.
The event put 18 local maintenance technicians to the test as they raced against the clock – and each other – to complete a variety of apartment maintenance challenges.
The winners were presented with cash prizes, and the top 2 competitors have a chance to battle for the Maintenance Mania National Championship in Boston later this year.
AAGLA congratulates all of our Maintenance Mania participants and sincerely thanks our presenting sponsor HD Supply, as well as:
National Sponsors
Fluidmaster
General Electric
Kidde
Kwikset Smartkey’
Motorola
Niagara Conservation
Ops Technology
Pfister
Philips Advance
Seasons from HD Supply
Local Sponsors
Harold Grennberg
Christian Frere
Park La Brea
Able Maintenance
Fuller Insurance
Athens Services
Stater Bros.
Ferguson Enterprises
Trevor Grimm
Maintenance Concierge
AAGLA Helps A Family in Need
On another note, AAGLA began working to raise money for the family of Jose Chojolan, a West Hollywood high school student who was paralyzed from the neck down recently after suffering from a sudden blood clot.
Last week, AAGLA raised more than $10,500 for the Chojolan family when they learned that Jose would not be able to leave the hospital and rejoin his family until they could find an affordable apartment meeting Jose’s needs. Therefore, AAGLA joined a larger coalition of rental housing providers in this effort, which has raised more than $20,000 for this important cause. The funds will help the Chojolan family move into a new apartment that will help Jose’s accessibility needs.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jose and his family during this difficult time.
