The Carbon-Emery Chapter of RPAC held its annual luncheon at Pioneer Park last Wednesday. RPAC stands for Realtors Political Action Committee. The purpose of RPAC is to promote the election of pro-realtor candidates. “We invited all the candidates because we have PAC dollars, realtor donations. Whoever will help realtors that’s who we support in campaigns,” stated Jennifer Nielson. She is the Chief Executive of the Carbon-Emery Board of Realtors.
Many local candidates spoke at the luncheon. They were encouraged to keep their comments brief, around 2 minutes. Most talked about the need to be fiscally responsible and increase economic development in the area. County Commissioner candidate Larry Jensen mentioned that “mineral lease money is going down and its going to be difficult to make up the shortfall.”
His Democratic rival Ed Chavez said “homes are selling in Helper” and he” would only increase property taxes as a last resort.” Independent Mel Coonrod stated his “property taxes had doubled and tripled” and suggested, “getting realtors to look at the true value of properties.”
The final speaker was Jed Nilson, President of Nilson homes and the North Wasatch Association of Realtors. He talked about how RPAC helped his construction business and the importance of electing those friendly to realtors and property rights. He said “it takes money to be elected and realtors collectively group together,” to elect pro business candidates. RPAC helped defeat the transfer tax, a transaction fee imposed on the transfer of title to property. “State government friendly to business helps lower the price to the consumer,” he told the group.
Realtor political action committee hears from county candidates
County commission candidates John Jones, left, Larry Jensen, middle, and Mel Coonrod, right, commiserate at a recent Realtors Political Action Committee luncheon. Andy Hislop