Report of the MCAA Legislative Committee
Words: Paul ClementsToday I was elected Chairman of the Legislative Committee. Our past Chairman, Paul Clements exemplified enthusiasm for this position as Chairman, for his company involvement, and as such with his new family relationship. As Paul has resigned and I have been asked to carry on his work, I accept with the same enthusiasm and excitement that has consumed this committee for the last (4) four years.
What is PAC? This is a consortium of contractor's like yourself who come together at different times of the year to promote the issues that are prevalent in our industry i.e.: State taxes, the right to pass you business onto a family member without additional taxes and OSHA issues which have also many subparts. The PAC committee is run exclusively on personal contributions. This is not a company write off. When you contribute to PAC you do it for the love of your business and the love of your industry; and for most of us, your business is as close to you as your wife.
As with all associations, we are in need of new members, mew active members, and new young active members. At our last meeting in June, (2) two years ago in Washington, D.C., there were (20) twenty motivated contractors and wives who made the trip to participate in our meetings with their respective congressmen pushing the issues that pertain to our industry. These trips are paid by us personally but we would like to have (40) forty or (50) fifty couples come to Washington each June. When Paul started this committee (4) four years ago, he started with no money and only enthusiasm. Last year Paul was able to collect $20,000.00 that was used to promote the congressmen of our choice. If you make a contribution to PAC, you may also ask to have your representative supported financially by the association. We do not care if you are a Republican or Democrat. We do care however, that you are a Mason Contractor that loves the industry and also to be personally involved in the ideas that affect each of you.
Lastly, I would greatly appreciate it if each of you not only contribute to PAC so that we can accumulate a war chest of $40,000.00 toward the "2000" election, but if you would take the time to sit down and jot down you ideas of how we can best represent you and your views also, any new subjects that you would like reported in Washington. Understand this is a voluntary position, but you values and objectives are my values and objectives. At the bottom of this letter is my address, I will assemble all the ideas and within 30 days of receiving them I will then send you a letter setting the agenda for June 13, 15, 1999 meeting in Washington, D.C.