Why I Support RPAC – An Interview with Moon Choi, 2017 NV/RPAC Campaign Chairman
JV:- Moon, why do you invest in the Realtors® Political Action Committee?
I invest in RPAC because that's the easiest way for me to protect my profession and business.
There are many proposed laws and regulations which threaten our profession, our way of doing business, the real estate market and individual property rights. RPAC is many things to me—to us: It's our voice, it's our power and it's our representation to the lawmakers at national, state and local levels.
Just like our clients hire us to represent them and handle their home buying and selling process, we have talented groups of people representing us at every level of government to promote our interests. And those lobbyists need our RPAC investments to support their efforts.
JV:- When did you make the decision to step up and become a Major Investor in RPAC?
I began by paying the "Fair Share" as a part of my membership dues from the start. I think it was 2003 or 2004 when I first consciously made an RPAC investment of $99. Since then, I gradually increased my investment to $200, $300, $500 and eventually I became a Major Investor. Once I learned what RPAC is about and what it does for us, I just had to be a part of it as a Realtor®, because I really believe in it.
“RPAC is our voice, it's our power and it's our representation to the lawmakers at national, state and local levels.”
JV:- What do you tell other Realtors® when encouraging them to invest in RPAC?
We invest in technology, education and marketing every day so that we can be better at what we do and increase our income. Investing in RPAC should be treated the same way: as an investment in our business. We have an obligation to invest in RPAC. We all receive the benefits. RPAC is insurance for our profession—protecting our business, our industry and home ownership opportunities for our clients.
JV:- Have you seen RPAC at work?
Definitely! When Realtors® go to Richmond on our annual legislative trip or up to Capitol Hill in D.C. to advocate and see our lawmakers in action, many legislators are lined up, eager to meet us and listen to our voices. It is amazing to see the respect that legislators have for NVAR and our members. RPAC helps to make that happen. These relationships allow our local, state and national staff to fight harmful proposals like the elimination of the Mortgage Interest Deduction or the 20 percent down payment requirement for a home mortgage. RPAC is always looking out for us, so that we can concentrate on what we do best—selling real estate.
JV:- Lastly, what can we look forward to in 2017 from the NV/RPAC Campaign?
I am very excited about the 2017 RPAC Fundraising Campaign. Our 2016 Chair, Christine Richardson, did a great job and set numerous records for a single calendar year. I will be following in her footsteps, and I am up for the challenge. We plan to have several new – and fun – fundraising events. One of my biggest goals is to increase the number of NVAR members participating. So, there is a good chance you will hear from me in the months ahead about your RPAC investment!