Quarterly: Winter 2003 - GWCAR - Greater Washington Commercial Association of REALTORS

CBQ >> Winter 2003 Issue

Johnston to Co-chair Newly Formed GCAPAC

Former GWCAR President Scott Johnston, Spaulding & Slye Colliers International, will co-chair the Greater Capital Area Political Action Committee (GCAPAC), a new regional political action committee that serves both residential and commercial interests in the metro area.

"Commercial brokers are a tremendous resource in the political arena and we think the selection of Scott as co-chair reflects the REALTOR^® community's recognition of their role," said Damian O'Doherty, Vice President of Public Policy.

Johnston has been a prodigious fundraiser for key legislators and local officials, recently co-hosting events for DC Mayor Anthony Williams and Councilmember Sharon Ambrose.

"There is no question that this PAC will amplify our voice in regional politics," Johnston said.

The committee raised most of its "start-up" money from voluntary contributions on the GWCAR, GCAAR and WDCAR dues billing form. If you are interested in participating on the GCAPAC Board, please contact Damian O'Doherty at 301.590.8792.

COMMITTEE COMPOSITION
The GWCAR voice is also an integral part of the Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS^® Regional Public Policy Committee. The committee has 17 members including three commercial members representing each sector of the region.

Brendan Cassidy of Cassidy & Pinkard will represent Maryland, while Scott Johnston and Craig Estey of Spaulding & Slye Colliers International will represent the commercial perspective for DC and Virginia, respectively.

Fresh off of a landmark victory touting the importance of transportation solutions in Montgomery County, members of the new regional committee are taking their successful issue advocacy paradigm to the rest of the region.