Amidst the political upheaval in Wisconsin, There are concerns afoot about the Activities of the WRA's Wisconsin Homeowners Alliance. Supposedly non partisan and solely for housing iniciatives. Hmmmm. Seems like they have been supporting non partisan causes. Doesn't matter politically which side of the issue, this should concern you. Please read the letter.
Mr. M. Theo, Executive Director
Mr. Rob Keefe, Chairman of the Board
Wisconsin Realtors Association
4801 Forest Run Rd
Madison, WI 53704
November 4, 2011
Dear Mr. Theo and Mr. Keefe:
I have questions and concerns about the recently mailed 2012 Membership Dues Statement. I would appreciate a response to the following:
1. In this time of economic hardship in our state, when most professionals involved in the real estate industry have had to contend with significant reductions in revenue, why has the WRA increased our dues from $260 in 2011 to $298 in 2012? Please explain what members can expect to receive in exchange for this increase in dues.
2. In 2011, $40 of our dues were given to the Wisconsin Homeowners Alliance, Inc. In 2012, this amount has been increased to $70. This means that of the $38 total increase, $30 will be given to WHA and only $8 will be retained by WRA. Why does WHA need an additional $30 from each WRA member?
3. In RASCW’s cover letter to the 2012 Membership Dues Statement, we are told that “WHA is a non-partisan, non-profit advocacy organization with its mission to ‘advance and promote issues of concern to all Wisconsin property owners’.” However, WHA’s 2009 IRS Form 990 shows that it spent approximately $360,000 on lobbying activities and made four cash donations: $100,000 to Wisconsin Club for Growth, $100,000 to Building a Stronger Wisconsin, $30,000 to American Federation for Children and $30,000 to the Greater Wisconsin Committee. The mission statements for these organizations make it clear they are not focused on the concerns of Wisconsin property owners. How do these donations support the WHA mission?
4. In light of Paragraph #3 above and in keeping with IRS Regulation #301.6104(d)-1, I am formally requesting that the Wisconsin Homeowners Alliance, Inc. provide to me their entire 2010 IRS Form 990 after it is submitted to the IRS. I am also requesting that you voluntarily provide members with a financial report showing WHA's 2011 expenditures to date.
5. It appears that WHA is using money garnered from WRA membership dues (a projected $980,000 in 2012) to operate in the broad political arena, contrary to their characterization. Given their broad focus, how can you assure me and the WRA membership that our executive staff are not involved with other groups or organizations which might be benefiting from WHA donations or cash contributions?
Finally, please make your responses to the issues raised here available to all WRA members.
Respectfully,
RealEstateGuy has been a full time, full service Realtor since 1993. He is dedicated to helping people achieve their Real Estate Goals and dreams. In order to provide more specialized service, he created a team of hand picked specialists. Guy believes in constantly learning more, so regularly attends national seminars and trainings. Guy has been a top producer, leader in his office, a president of the Wisconsin chapter of CRS, and has spoken at the State Realtor Conventions.
