Advocacy

BOMA continues to lead the industry as the voice for commercial real estate. From the offices of building managers to the halls of government, BOMA serves member needs by advancing both the industry from within and its status from without.

Above: BOMA of Metro Detroit’s Government Affairs Committee honored at Winter Business Meeting in Miami. From left: Paula Goldman-Spinner, President, BOMA of Metropolitan Detroit; Janet Langlois, Executive Director, BOMA of Metropolitan Detroit; and Brenna S. Walraven, RPA, CPM, BOMA International Chairman
GAC Honored for Recent Accomplishments

Why, as a member of BOMA, should you be concerned about what is happening in Lansing or Washington? Because, these officials have the power to pass laws that will greatly affect your bottom line for years to come. In the past year, your Government Affairs Committee, with the assistance of our Lobbyists, Scofes and Associates Consulting, have led the fight to protect our interests on such important issues as:

PA 141- The continuing fight for a truly competitive electric energy market.

Forced Access- Squashed the attempt by the Communications
Industry to gain unfettered access to private property.

Asbestos- The drafting of legislation to limit Asbestos Liability for
both Property Owners and Property Managers.

WPW Challenges- The defeat of attempts by state lawmakers to reverse the property tax protection intended by Proposal A.

The Legislature introduces hundreds of bills each year, and many of them have some impact on commercial real estate, purposeful or unintended. While individually you may not have the time and resources to monitor the actions in government, your Government Affairs Committee, the BOMA Staff, and our Lobbyists remain vigilant on those issues affecting our industry. This level of effort and attention requires your constant support to continue. The work in Lansing is not without some financial sacrifice. Political figures who share and defend our common interests need our financial support. This is done through our Political Action Committee (PAC), a joint effort with BOMA Grand Rapids. PAC contributions can only be collected from individuals, not corporations. We will be offering several ways to contribute over the upcoming year, and we invite you to participate at every opportunity and get your co-workers and colleagues involved. Unlike voting, you can contribute early and often!

The Government Affairs Committee stays informed and helps to protect your interests. Please do what you can to support us in 2008. Make a personal donation to the PAC, a corporate donation to the GAC, buy a raffle ticket, donate an item to the PAC/GAC auction, or get involved. We need you to stay engaged and help us to continue serving the commercial real estate industry.

Thank you for all of your support and we will see you at the next BOMA
gathering!

2008 Government Affairs Committee Chairs

	—John M. Sier, Esq. is a Principal at Kitch Attorneys & Counselors and can be reached at john.sier@kitch.com
	—Gregory McDuffee is General Manager of the Detroit-Wayne Joint Building Authority, and can be reached at gregory_mcduffee@dwjba.com

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