State Appraisal Board seats...why don't YOU seek one?

[Francois K. Gregoire]

Frank if you and Bob don't think that one's Political Party, Political Ideology, participation and money contribution to one's Campaign is not related to political appointments, I have some Enron Stock I want to sell you.

leart3

P.S. How many X Enron Executives got appointments to the Bush Administration.

leart3,

Please read what I said.

There's no question Politics and Ideology can enter the mix, but my experience indicates other criteria are often considered in my state.

In addtion, you failed to substantiate your assertion by not answering some simple questions or providing any other basis for your opinion.

Try again?

Have you done a survey? Conducted interviews? Have you compiled a report? In how many states have you attended Board Meetings?

To be honest, I've no idea how many Ex-Enron Executives have appointments in the Bush Administration. Perhaps you will enlighten us all. While doing so, tell us what it has to do with the price of butter.

Cheers!

 

[Leon Stewart]

To be honest, I've no idea how many Ex-Enron Executives have appointments in the Bush Administration. Perhaps you will enlighten us all. While doing so, tell us what it has to do with the price of butter.

Cheers!
[/quote]


Frank:

It may not have anything to do with the price of Butter, but it does have something to do with the price of Politics.

leart3

 

[Francois K. Gregoire]

Frank:

It may not have anything to do with the price of Butter, but it does have something to do with the price of Politics.

leart3

leart3,

You've now got me curious. Where are you licensed? Based on comments from some folks licensed in states on the east coast, they have reasons to be cynical. Just wondering if you're from the same state. It might help explain the resentment.

Often folks with strong opinions are proud and sure enough to lay claim to them with their names.

 

[Leon Stewart]

I'm from Ohio, Frank. Our Public Employee's Retirement System took a big hit on Enron Stock just like yours and most of the other States that are headed by Republican Governors.

leart3

 

[Francois K. Gregoire]

I'm from Ohio, Frank. Our Public Employee's Retirement System took a big hit on Enron Stock just like yours and most of the other States that are headed by Republican Governors.

leart3

leart3,

Thanks for the partial identification. As you reveal yourself, it becomes a little easier to see where you're coming from (figuratively speaking) and to converse.

Although it sounds like a pile of money to you and me, the $325 million "hit" taken by the Florida Pension Fund amounts to about 1/3 of 1 percent of the $94 billion fund. A quote in the news story used as a source for these comments states the Florida Pension Fund balance goes up and down by that much on a daily basis.

Check for yourself HERE

I was going to ask how much the Ohio Pension Fund lost, but just located a story indicating a total of five public plans lost a total of $133 million. There is a similar quote that the loss amounts to one- tenth of one percent of the portfolio.

Check for yourself [url=http://www.dispatch.com/business-story.php?story=dispatch/news/bus01/dec01/984953.html]OHIO STORY HERE

Both stories picked out of google search lists. Chosen, not at random, but on the basis of complete information. Really not familiar with either source.

You might also note, despite your apparent desire to pin this on Republican Governors, in my state, the Governor is not the investment guy. Not sure how it's done up yonder, but the Florida story above makes it clear more than one outside firms contract with the State to do investing and advise. Governor JEB! is piling on and wanting to sue just like all the folks in the other party.

Truth is truth. There is no denying this is a sad story, but what these two Pension Funds lost is a drop in the bucket when compared to their total assets. Neither story made any allegation concerning the governor nor the prevailing state party. Maybe you're aware of something I've missed?

Thanks again for revealing your vantage point.

 

[Leon Stewart]

FRANK:

You are right about the amount for Ohio, it was posted a few weeks back, and like you said, a hundred million here or there is just chump change for them, but it makes a Public Retiree a little nervous, I would think.

leart3

 

[Non Sequitur]

Leon, President Bush has no ex-Enron Execs in his administration. In fact Lay slept in the Lincoln Bedroom with Clintons invitation.

 

[Jim Payne (SD)]

I encouage all appraisers who are interested in improving the appraisal business to either SEEK A SEAT YOURSELF.....or FIND ANOTHER INTERSTED APPRAISER AND HELP THEM.

How about some of you reporting back as to WHEN current seats will be expiring in all the states across our nation.

North Carolina has two seats which expired 06/30/2001 and TWO MORE which will expire 06/30/2002. That is FOUR seats! What a difference could be made if interested, active, knowledgeable and NON-POLITICAL appraisers could be appointed to these boards.


If not you....then who?

Bob Ipock

Bob:

I was the 'blue collar' appraiser put on our Appraiser Advisory Board with 2 other MAI's, a Banker's Assn Representative, Real Estate Commission Executive Director, and a Lay Person. In South Dakota, our Legislature DID NOT WANT A FULL (PAID) BOARD. Neither did the Governor... Which was TOO BAD... Anyway, I spent 10 Years on the SDAAB and reviewed Upgrades, Complaints (In My Area) as well as attending the 4X a Year Board Meetings (All Free Grattus) just to improve our profession. I went off in December 2000 and really miss it.

I commend all the Forumites, who, will run for their respective Appraisal Boards to help in keeping up the standards that we all must enjoy (follow).

Jim Payne (SD)

 

[Bob Ipock]

I really have mixed feelings about how or if board members should be compensated for their time. Since I will never be appointed, I won't have to worry about it too much. The $100.00 per day (2 days a month) paid to board members in NC would be a pay cut for most appraisers who are busy.

It is nearly impossible (in terms of money) for the average appraiser to spend 2, 3 or 4 days a month out of the office and nor generating any income. So what we wind up with is all well to do folks running the show. This is the same with our state legislature...few can afford it anymore. I believe this is bad for appraisers and bad for government in general.

On the other hand, I don't think anyone should get a windfall from the state for serving on a board. Personnaly, I don't like idea of excessive travel, lunches, dinners, parties etc.. I would not object to the eqivilent of 1.5 to 2 appraissal fees per day spent on board business (on an hour per hour, portal to portal basis), Perhaps this would allow more "regul;ar folks" to seek office.

Some where in the middle there is a reasonable answer. Perhaps it is honesty and ethics. Anyone who is spending OTHER PEOPLE"S money needs to be far more careful and thoghtful than if it were their own money.



Thanks,

Bob Ipock

 

[Don Clark]

8)

Bob:

I don't disagree with anything you have said, re compensation. I believe in Virginia it is $50.00 per day plus lodging or some similar arrangement. I may be wrong but "it ain't much". However, I do not believe that it really is not about compensation. It is about power, prestige, self actualization, or a willingness to give something back to the profession that has been good to you. Take your pick out of those possibilities.

I was recommended by the Virginia Association of Realtors Appraisal Section, to the Governor, to fill a spot on the board. Also, a friend, that I highly respect, who has already served on the board(2-3 terms) was also recommended. now why would someone who has been on the board in the past, and had served one term as it's Chair, want to serve again? Again, take your pick. If I was fortunate enough to be appointed, I would hope, and it is my belief that it would be for self actualization and to give something back to the profession that has been good to me. But, that may not be the way others would see it. That is however, their problem.

I believe that anyone desiring to serve on the board should at least try. I don't know what to recommend to them on how to do it. I have had excellent recommendations from National Organizations, other appraisers, my local Delegate to the General Assembly, and now VAR as well as Bob Ipock(thanks Bob). Will I be appointed(seat should be filled this month)? I doubt it. But hey, it was a good try.

Don