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We must become more aggressive with our legal action committee, being more proactive and protecting and defending our members from detrimental government laws and regulations.
We must continue to monitor our budget, being frugal with the resources of NAHB, saving money where we can while still offering our members the tools they need to improve their bottom line.
I am running for vice president/secretary of NAHB because I want to make a difference. I want to reach out to each of you and let you know that my door will always be open; I will be accessible and approachable. I will listen to your concerns and problems, and together we will find the solutions necessary to help solve the problems facing our industry. I would like for my effectiveness as an officer of NAHB to be measured by how well I increase the level of grassroots participation. Only through a strong, cohesive association will we be able to effect change.
Today, I’m asking for your input, your support and your vote on Jan. 15, 2005 at 8:30 a.m. for my election to the office of vice president/secretary of NAHB.
Thank you for being a part of NAHB, the greatest champion for housing in the world.
 From the official beginning of this campaign in February, I have enjoyed talking to you by phone, email and at board meetings and visiting you at your local meetings. My resolve to serve all of you for the next five years is more pronounced because of learning how we agree. You agree with me that we need greater clarity on issues brought to the board floor, more confidence that NAHB’s $96 million budget is used efficiently and that our top priorities — the most important being “useful services” to our members — are addressed by our talented staff in a proactive way.
At the start of the New Year and after our recent national elections, there are many unknowns on the horizon for our industry: interest rates climbing, sporadic job growth, housing’s Government Sponsored Enterprises facing new regulations, inflation, etc. These unknowns require strong and experienced leadership at the senior officer level. I believe that this separates me from my opponent because of my experience in this industry as a builder and as a leader both nationally and locally.
I have had great success in protecting our industry with local and state regulators. I’ve brought both government and environmentalists together to achieve mutually productive housing goals. Except for my military service, I have always been, and will continue to be, an active home builder. Located in a large metro area, I have had to deal with problems I hope never come to your doorstep. However, because of my experience, I know where the pitfalls are and how to attack these problems, and I have the ability to share solutions.
On the morning of Jan. 15, we will elect the next vice president/secretary. I believe very sincerely that I can work with the existing senior officers to reform NAHB in a meaningful, “service-first” way, and use my experience and leadership in a positive team effort to help the senior officers achieve association goals.
Serving you for the next five years is my goal. I have the best experience, the best ability to fight and win on local and national issues and the courage to make the right decisions to assure we are prepared to go forward in a positive, confident manner as we face our future. I believe we should build on past successes, learn from our mistakes and “build from the ground up.”
I want your vote to become the next NAHB vice president/secretary. I ask that you search your conscience as an individual voting director with a private ballot and vote for me to serve you.
I look forward to seeing you at our convention in Orlando.
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What an exciting, fast paced year this has been. I have enjoyed the campaign and the opportunity to talk with so many of you. We have discussed many issues and problems you are facing every day in your business and what NAHB can do to help improve your bottom line.
