By J ff
y Jeff Dixon, CAI IL lobbyist
As I traveled to the Capitol City of Springfield this August to participate in the political process during Governor’s (Democrat) Day and Republican Day at the Illinois State Fair, I am reminded of the tremendous impact that the State political process has on community associations, those who live in community associations, those who volunteer their time to serve on the board of community associations, and those who provide goods and services to community associations (the “Community Associations industry”).
Today’s political arena is no doubt highly competitive. How legislation is formulated is partly dependent on the investment of groups that are affected. Those who have a stake in the outcome must be involved!
We ARE involved and have a strong voice through CAI and ILAC at the Illinois Capitol. I have worked with CAI for more than 15 years and have seen the respect we have earned, but it is essential that CAI step up its participation in the political process. The Community Associations Institute Political Action Committee IL (“CAI PAC”) is an easy way to get involved in the continued success of our industry. We may ask ourselves, “why should I contribute to the PAC?
Please allow me to share with you my “TOP TEN” List:
1. Better Government! By collectively joining forces, we can have a more meaningful impact on State legislative policies by supporting candidates who view us in a favorable light;
2. Protect our industry’s future! CAI PAC supports candidates who understand the Community Associations industry, are pro-business, and understand the necessity to attract qualified people to volunteer time their time on community association boards;
3. Leverage my buying power! Individually our dollars don’t go very far. But together we have the financial ability to target key legislative committee members and those in Leadership who shape policy on our issues;
4. Strength in numbers! We can proudly say the contributions represent hundreds of individuals (e.g., board members, owners, community association managers, service providers) who are concerned about the future of our country and the Community Associations industry’s ability to contribute to a strong economic future;
5. It’s my civic duty to get involved! Thucydides, a Greek philosopher said, “Our constitution is named a democracy because it is in the hands not of the few, but of the many.” We are the many and CAI PAC is another vehicle for our voices to be heard.
6. CAI PAC can be a successful tool to help our friends! We frequently ask our friends in the Illinois Legislature for their support on our issues. State political elections depend on sophisticated advertising campaigns. They are expensive. CAI PAC is a small way for us to help our friends win their elections.
7. Political decisions that affect CAI, affect our everyday life, too! We do have a personal vested interest in the viability of our industry. If legislation/regulation hampers our industry, home values and job security could be threatened.
8. PACs is not a four-letter word! Political action committees are democratic and respectable. A PAC represents the common interest of a particular industry, company or group of individuals and contributes money to candidates who share a similar political philosophy with that group;
9. It is easy! Many of us don’t have the time to become actively involved in political campaigns, our respective political parties or attend meetings. But we do have time to write a check once a month, quarterly or annually.
10. It is as AMERICAN as … living in your favorite homeowners, condo or townhome association! 54 | COMMON INTEREST® • Fall 2022 • A Publication of CAI-Illinois Chapter
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