It seems that some are insistent on focusing on division vs. unity at a time when unity is so valuable. Part of this is due to 'divide and conquer' style strategies. The question for this column is simple. What is the biggest fish that we need to fry? What are our top priorities as an industry or professional members of that industry?
Could FINANCING be at the top of that list? Isn't that the reason that we should be focused on HR 1779? Sure other items are important, but if we can't finance enough homes…
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My district's congressman emailed a few days ago, advising he is on board with HR 1779. It wasn't just one call, or one message or one meeting to make that happen, but it got done! If it is worth doing, then it is worth more than a half-hearted effort.
I won't spend much time focusing on why some 'industry observers' are trying to highlight a relatively minor issue, or drive a wedge between MHI and MHARR, for example.
No two people agree on everything, every time, much less no two organizations. But MHI and MHARR agreed upon working to get the appointment of Vic DeRose for the HUD position. HUD announced a twist, but they published that job as being open in a recent announcement for their manufactured housing program's division.
Key MHI and MHARR members and staff reached out to Senator Joe Donnelly in Washington, who as a result has sent HUD's Shaun Donovan a letter on behalf of Vic DeRose's qualifications for the role. See that download at the end of this article. Based upon the fluid dynamics, that looks like a step in the right direction! That sounds like it is in keeping with the agreement between MHI and MHARR have to work together on three issues. We want to take a moment and thank Joe Donnelly for that letter to HUD!.png)
“Due to the hard work and relentless persistence of the entire MH industry we all should be celebrating the fact that HUD has finally taken action to fill the Administrator position.” said the Manufactured Housing Institute's (MHI) CEO Richard “Dick” Jennison.
HUD's Twist on the Administrator for the Federal Manufactured Housing Program
Speaking of that twist from HUD, here is a comment from Rick J. Rand, of Great Value Homes, on the topic.
“The HUD Job Posting was just meant to put the industry on notice! They feel that they can screw with us whether we agree or fight the bureaucrats on their turf. The shame is it is a waste of time. We need to prove ourselves where we really make an impact! HOUSING FOR AMERICANS.
Screw everything else; focus on the target! We provide housing for more families than all of these bureaucrats can even relate too. They are out to lunch.
RJR
Quote me!”
Neither the Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform (MHARR) nor MHI can force HUD to make the non-career administrator role – which is what the MHIA of 2000 seemed to call for – vs. making it a career administrator role.
Community owner Rand's industry veteran's comment should remind all segments of the industry that we must stay focused on the goals.
Political vs. Career Position
As a major industry CEO told us off the record, “a non-career administrator is a political appointee. We may be better off with a career person than a non-career appointee." Time will tell.
Regardless of the job title, if we are fortunate enough to get Vic DeRose appointed to the announced position, it would mean someone at HUD who understands manufactured housing from our side of the fence! Jennison is correct, that would be a victory.
Do we support that joint effort? Sure.
But the most important item on the industry's federal agenda is financing, and that is at the heart of HR 1779. Corporations, independent businesses, mom and pops, employees, associations at the regional, state or national level should easily agree to focus on that effort. Call, fax, email or visit your congressman in support of HR 1779, you can find yours at this link here: www.house.gov/representatives/find/
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Tim Williams, 21st Mortgage said in his exclusive interview that HR 1779 is critical.
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Congressman Stephen Fincher in his interview with MHProNews understands the issue and is supportive of manufactured housing on HR 1779. There is bi-partisan support.
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We know Sherrod Brown, Joe Donnelly and others on both sides of the aisle in the Senate are working on the background items needed to make the filing of their version of HR 1779.
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We could name retailer ELS' CEO Marguerite Nader, Cavco CEO Joe Stegmayer, Hall of Fame retailer Mike Evans, UMH CEO Sam Landy, among others who are pushing for this effort that will protect the home values of millions of manufactured home owners while providing the financing needed to sell more new HUD Code homes. FYI, MHARR members we hear from see it similarly.
That's a lot of fire power lined up in favor of a goal that is good for independents, major operators and manufactured housing home owners.
Controversy for Fun or Profit?
So while controversy may be “fun” for some to stir up, let's not lose sight of our goals.
Dr. Stephen Covey talked about beginning with the end in mind and focusing on what matters most. For manufactured housing, besides our day to day operational/business/career needs, that should include HR 1779 for the immediate future.
It would be great if other commentators would focus on what matters most too. Will they?
A piece of Good News
Let's end on a happier note. Fairmont Homes has agreed to the placement of a manufactured home at the RV/MH Hall of Fame as part of a permanent display.
This is the first major item on the manufactured housing side of the hall in some time. Hats off to Fairmont; let's hope that others will get behind the effort, because this too is an image building effort that our industry can benefit from. Sources suggest that this home may be in place before the end of August.
I hope to see many of you at their annual induction dinner, coming up in early August. ##
HOT LINK to U.S. Senator Donnelly's Letter to HUD here.
PS: Check our many Exclusive and Red Hot Featured Articles for July and see the
other new stories at MHLivingNews.com too.
L. A. "Tony" Kovach
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