Happy President's Day: Government Affairs and Realtor Bus-In to Capitol Hill in Des Moines highlight the start of the week

Our Government Affairs committee as part of the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors met with Len Sandler, with the University of Iowa and with four law students to discuss the recommended changes in Chapter 69 of the municipal code of Cedar Rapids.

The main discussion was on adding Lawful Source of Income to the Civil Rights Protections in Cedar Rapids, in the areas of protection for Housing. The Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission is recommended updated protections in the area of Familial Status, Gender Identity, Marital Status, Mental Disability, Association, Retaliation, as well as Lawful Sources of Income.

Realtors from all across the State of Iowa will bus-in to Des Moines on Tuesday to visit with State Legislators, as well as a visit with other members of State Government. This is our annual bus-in for 2011.

At Noon on Monday, Ted Townsend & Richard Pankey presented a Cedar Rapids Medical District Update to members of the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids. Robin Tucker is a third generation Rotarian, with the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids. Both his grandfather and father were members. His father, Tommy, is still an active Rotarian for over 45 years now. Robin joined Rotary in 1989.

At Rotary, the news mentioned that the City of Cedar Rapids has determined the language and breakdown for the proposed extension of the Local Option Sales Tax for 20 years through 2034. The Council will tackle the proposal and likely move it for a May 3Rd public measure at Tuesday's City Council meeting.

On Tuesday, the City Council will also have a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2012 City Budget, as well as the ten year Capital Improvement Budget. The City Council regularly meets twice a month in Cedar Rapids.

We currently have houses for rent in Cedar Rapids, as well as houses for sale in the greater Cedar Rapids area. Are you looking for something in 2011? Please contact us, if we can be of assistance for your property management and real estate brokerage needs.

ttrco

Attended Government Affairs Meeting for January 24, 2011 at CRAAR

1. Introductions and update on the Chamber Government Affairs meeting on Friday was presented


2. IAR Bus-In Day is February 22


3. New Business


4. Old Business


5. IAR Video Conference

• Recap of Chamber Legislative update


• Sen Rob Hogg's promotion of Flood Control for Community legislation was mentioned again


• We discussed the local ordinance change on Chapter 69 of the municipal code, which covers our local civil rights laws


• Some discussion on Government Leases and Crime Free Leases

First IAR Video Conference of the 2011 Iowa Legislative Session

• Children in need of assistance - impacts of a Meth House and proposed legislation. What will the impact be on property owners, including Landlords


• Minnesota adopted a strict bill that lead to occupancy being pulled, foreclosure


• SF 24 - Mandates for home inspectors to be licensed in Iowa


• Property Taxes - Iowa House has proposed legislation


• Schools and Mental Health expenses being shifted to State to relieve property taxes?


• State Boards and Commissions


• Realtor proposed legislation: unlicensed, out of state companies doing business in Iowa

ttrco

Back from the Iowa Association of Realtors meeting in Council Bluffs this week

Realtors® Robin Tucker and Tommy Tucker, representing Tommy Tucker Realty Co. attended the Iowa Association of Realtors® annual Convention held:

September 21-24, 2009 at

Mid-America Center, Council Bluffs

The seminars, meetings and events were outstanding this year at the Convention. I.L. "Tommy" Tucker is a Past IAR President, IAR Realtor of the Year and O.G. Powell Award winner and was recognized for his attendance and past service to the Association during the Inaugural Gala. Our Association's new president is Realtor® Carey Jensen of Council Bluffs. She was installed, along with other officers and directors at the 2009 Inaugural Gala.

Speakers included:

• Pat Zaby
• Rich Sands
• Dan Olson of Department of Natuarl Resources (Septic Systems in Iowa)
• Jerry Rossi
• John Mayfield
• Judy Stevens
• Paul McLaughlin
• Joe Sesso
• Kitty Carstens
• Joe Sesso

Upcoming legislative issues in the State of Iowa:

• Septic Tanks
• Radon
• Storwater Fees
• Fire Sprinkers
• IFA issues (mechanics leans)
• Lead based paint
• Filing of sellers discosure at time of of transfer
• Homestead changes
• other upcoming issues in Real property
• Health Care for small business and independent contractors was mentioned

Other Highlights of this year's Convention:

• Numerous Continuing Education Opportunities - more...
• Learn new business strategies relevant to today's market conditions
• Expanded Trade Show - more... More than 50 vendors showcasing products and services
• Vendor Demonstrations - more... See the latest technology and vendor products in action with our 12 demo sessions
• Networking - see below Meet new REALTORS® and grow your contact base for referrals
  State Committees and Work Groups - more...
• Get involved at the state level and make a difference in your industry
• Events - Elegant dinners, great nightlife, and other events just for fun!

The 2010 IAR Convention will be held in Dubuque.

ttrco

January 9, 2009 - We honor the 60th Wedding Anniversary of Tommy & LaVerne Tucker

Every January 9Th, the standing joke between Robin Tucker, now broker/officer of Tommy Tucker Realty Co. with his parents, Tommy and LaVerne Tucker, was a quick happy birthday send off. From 1969-1974, Richard Nixon served as President of the United States.

But, really, January 9Th had much more significance than the birthday of our 37Th President of the United States.

It was January 9, 1949. Tommy and LaVerne Tucker were married in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They had met on a blind date, while both were students at Coe College. Today, January 9, 2009, Tommy and LaVerne Tucker celebrate their 60Th wedding anniversary. They will celebrate the event with a trip to Hawaii this month.

In 1958, Tommy founded Tommy Tucker Realty Co. Tommy Tucker Realty Co. celebrated its 50Th anniversary as a company, last year. Tommy entered the real estate profession in 1955.

LaVerne retired from real estate at the end of 2007.

Tommy Tucker has been recognized by the Cedar Rapids Association of Realtors (CRAAR) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) as a REALTOR® Emeritus. He is a past president of the CRAAR and the Iowa Association of Realtors. He also served as a national vice president of NAR.

The Iowa Realtor Foundation offers the I.L. "Tommy" Tucker Scholarship. Mr. Tucker, along with other Realtors, help establish the University of Northern Iowa Real Estate Education Program.

Today, we sincerely wish our founder, Tommy Tucker, and his wife, a Happy 60Th Wedding Anniversary. Congratulations Dad & Mom! Robin Tucker

Tommy Tucker Realty Co.