Mainstreet Meets Congress

FHA reform, flood insurance, Fannie/Freddie declining markets are only a few of the issues we discussed with Congress(wo)man Roskam and Biggert. Kudos to Pat Callan and John Veneris for leading our delegation and driving our lobbying effort. While Roskam had many questions about lenders and foreclosures, Biggert was equally concerned about FHA and the declining markets issue. Mainstreet staff will follow-up with calls to congressional staff, making sure they have all information and background documents discussed during the meeting. NAR did an outstanding job in creating the talking points as well as supporting our grassroots team. Hat Tips to Mainstreet President Linda Dore, Pat Callan, John Veneris, Lynn Madison, Doug Carpenter, Ahmed Badat, Mike Drews, Mary Anne D’Ambrosio, Pam Krieter, Dean Rouso, Sue Wiskowski-Fair, James Young, and Chris Read. Blame for the photo: Jeff Merrinette. The reason everyone smiled for the photo was that while I asked everyone to line up, about 15 Army officers were standing patiently behind me.  Each officer, and I'm sure they were high ranking officers, waited patiently for our group to get the photo, so they could pass.

Pat Callan, our FDC, lead the discussion about reforming FHA and passing a homebuyers assistance bill. Roskam has a keen mind which probed many facets of our arguements and our calls for him to co-sponsor and vote for our bills.  Callan, joined by Lynn Madison and John Veneris as well as several Realtors not in the shot, met each question with unfaltering detail, example and narrative to give Congressman Roskam a true feeling for today's marketplace.  Due to an Agricultural bill on the floor, Roskam was late to our meeting. While we waited we had a chance to meet with David Mork, Roskam's Chief of Staff and brief him on all our issues.

Our two Government Affairs Chairwomen, Tonya Conyer (left) and Mary Anne D'Ambrosio (right) rehashed the day over dinner.  I am so grateful to have such active and talented volunteers at Mainstreet.  Mary Anne and I have worked together closely this year and her insights and experience make lobbying so much easier. D'Ambrosio is Chairwoman for our North Committee, which covers DuPage and western Cook County.  Conyer is Chairwoman for the South Committee which covers the southern Cook County area.

Ok, in this photo it looks like John Veneris is lecturing Congresswoman Biggert, blame the photographer. Biggerts office was a bit cramped and getting a shot of this conversation was a challange.

Biggert had just finished telling us about working with Congressman Barney Franks on a housing bill and Veneris was telling her what he thought the effect would be in her district.

This year Veneris had a special brochure of Realtor issues to leave with Biggert after our meeting.  This makes it so much easier for NAR, IAR, and Mainstreet staff to follow-up with Biggerts staff later.