On Tuesday, August 3rd, FAAR will host candidate interviews where members of FAAR’s Public Policy Committee will meet with individuals seeking election throughout the region to discuss issues and talk about their priorities should they be elected.

The goal of FAAR’s public policy program is to create lasting, positive relationships with elected officials through early outreach and support of those candidates who understand the value of real estate to the local economy and are willing to work with Realtors® on issues of vital importance to the industry and to property owners.  The Association accomplishes this goal through making RPAC contributions to endorsed candidates with the goal of helping those candidates win in their elections.  Running for office is very expensive, even at the local level, so any financial support is a big deal for candidates.

FAAR bases those endorsements on candidates’ responses to a detailed survey about real estate issues that can be reviewed here.  The Public Policy Committee then follows up on those surveys with an interview that aims to dig deeper into their written responses by sharing information about the market and our Legislative Positions, which can be accessed here.   This process is a long one but gives the Committee members a great introduction to potential new elected officials.

The Public Policy Committee decides which candidates to interview and often declines to interview challengers in seats of those incumbent elected officials who have been long-time supporters.  Those decisions are made each election cycle and on a case-by-case basis.  In the event of an open seat where the previous incumbent is retiring, FAAR makes every effort to touch base with all candidates running and give them the opportunity to interview.  The Committee also decides endorsements on a case-by-case basis and does not always endorse in every race.

Members are invited to observe these interviews.  They are taking place in the FAAR Board Room located in the Annex on the 1st floor of the building.  Only members of FAAR’s Public Policy Committee are permitted to ask questions of the candidates.  If you would like to attend any of the interviews listed below, please contact FAAR Public Policy Director Kim McClellan.

August 3 Candidate Interview Schedule

8:00am  Andy Reese (I-City-Ward 2)
8:30am Amber Peebles (I-City-Ward 4)
9:00am  Tim Duffy* (I-City-Ward 3)
9:30am  Monica Gary (I-Stafford-Aquia)
10:00am Nick Ignacio (Zoom) (I-Spotsy-Battlefield)
10:30am  Todd Rump (I-Spotsy-Lee Hill)
11:00am  Chris Yakabouski* (R-Spotsy-Battlefield)
11:30am  Phil Scott (R-House of Delegates-88th District)
12:00pm Meg Bohmke* (R-Stafford-Falmouth)
1:00pm  Pam Yeong (D-Stafford-Garrisonville)
1:30pm  Rene Rodriguez (I-City-Ward 3)
2:00pm Baron Braswell (I-Spotsy-Battlefield)
2:30pm Paul Milde (R-Stafford-Aquia)
3:00pm  Lori Hayes (I-Spotsy-Lee Hill)
3:30pm Jon Gerlach (I-City of Fred-Ward 2)

*denotes incumbent

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