Government and Legislative Affairs Program

GRAR ANNOUNCES ENDORSEMENTS FOR THE 2024 ELECTION CYCLE

The Government Affairs Committee of the Greater Regional Alliance of REALTORS conducts interviews with candidates running for political office concerning issues related to the free enterprise system and the right to own, use, and transfer private property. Based upon these interviews and responses to questions, GRAR has made the endorsements indicated below. To find out more about the candidate, to offer campaign assistance, or to offer a location for signs, please click on the name of the candidate to be connected to their website or facebook page.

STATE RACES:
NAME
(click name for website)
POSITION
(click District # below for map)
Angela RigasState Representative, 79th District
Phil SkaggsState Representative, 80th District
Stephen WoodenState Representative, 81st District
Kristian GrantState Representative, 82nd District
John FitzgeraldState Representative, 83rd District
John WetzelState Representative, 84th District
Luke MeermanState Representative, 89th District
Bryan PosthumusState Representative, 90th District
LOCAL RACES:
NAME
(click name for website)
POSITION
(click for link to district map, where applicable)
Ben GreeneKent County Commission, 1st District
Elizabeth MorseKent County Commission, 2nd District
Jenn MerchantKent County Commission, 3rd District
Katie DeBoerKent County Commission, 4th District
Dave HildenbrandKent County Commission, 5th District
Stan StekKent County Commission, 6th District
Stan PonsteinKent County Commission, 7th District
Dan BurrillKent County Commission, 8th District
Robin HalstedKent County Commission, 10th District
Lindsey ThielKent County Commission, 11th District
Monica SparksKent County Commission, 12th District
Michelle McCloudKent County Commission, 13th District
Carol HennessyKent County Commission, 14th District
Melissa LaGrandKent County Commission, 16th District
Robert WomackKent County Commission, 17th District
Lisa LyonsKent County Clerk/Register of Deeds
Peter MacGregorKent County Treasurer
Ken YonkerKent County Drain Commissioner
David LaGrandMayor, City of Grand Rapids
Dean PacificCity of Grand Rapids Commission, 1st Ward
Bing GoeiCity of Grand Rapids Commission, 3rd Ward
Joe MossOttawa County Commission, 5th District
John TeeplesOttawa County Commission, 7th District
Tom ColemanPlainfield Township Supervisor
Sheldon DeKrygerCity of Wyoming Council Member At-Large

The GRAR Governmental Affairs program develops, advances, and implements the legislative and regulatory objectives of GRAR at the local, state, and national levels. It consists of three elements that work together to maximize the political strength of REALTORS®: a strong grassroots advocacy network utilizing skilled members of the Government Affairs Committee who serve as key persons, a powerful political action committee, and a 3-way relationship between GRAR, the Michigan REALTORS® (MR), and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).


 

grar_force_logo

The GRAR Key Person Program is an initiative of the Government Affairs Committee designed to inform, communicate, and maintain a relationship with legislators and local units of government. There is one key person for each local, state and national elected official, and one key person assigned to each municipality in the GRAR market area.

GRAR Government Affairs Committee Members


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RPAC is the political action committee of REALTORS®, serving as our membership’s voice in politics. RPAC funds are used to elect pro-REALTOR® candidates at the federal, state, and local levels while also advancing sound policy related to the free enterprise system and the rights to own, use and transfer private property.”Just because you do not take an interest in politics does not mean that politics will not take an interest in you.” – Pericles

What is RPAC and why is it important to both REALTORS® and the consumer? (video)
Contribute to RPAC Online
RPAC Issues


Michigan REALTORS

The mission of the Michigan Association of REALTORS® is to be “the recognized public policy and legal advocate for private property rights and for the real estate industry, and the recognized statewide resource (clearing house) for professional development, knowledge exchange, and business service.” The MAR is the state’s largest professional real estate trade association, dedicated to serving more than 23,600 members across the state. Advocacy and public policy activity are the hallmark of MAR.

State Legislation Tracker


National Assoc of REALTORS

Working on behalf of America’s property owners, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® provides a facility for professional development, research and exchange of information among its members and to the public and government for the purpose of preserving the free enterprise system, and the right to own, use, and transfer real property.

Current NAR Political Advocacy Issues


Political Candidate Interviews: Resources

The Government Affairs Committee of the Greater Regional Alliance of REALTORS® conducts interviews with candidates running for political office. The purpose of these interviews is to determine the possibility of REALTOR endorsement and/or financial support. We encourage all candidates to meet with our committee to discuss important issues facing Michigan. If you are interested in participating, please contact Sue Jenkins at suej@grar.com or 616.940.8214.

During the interview, you will be asked to introduce yourself and indicate what inspired you to run for office (or to continue in office if you are an incumbent). You will also be asked questions related to the office you are seeking as contained on the questionnaires below. Please complete and return the appropriate questionnaire prior to the interview. If you have a conflict that will prevent you from scheduling an interview, the committee would still be happy to consider your responses to the questionnaire in making an endorsement decision.

Elective office is a noble calling at all levels of government. The Greater Regional Alliance of REALTORS® respects and appreciates your desire to serve.  


 

CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRES:
State Candidate Questionnaire
County Candidate Questionnaire
Township Candidate Questionnaire
City Candidate Questionnaire