Election Day Wrap Up - Amendment 3 Passes & Rep. Schoeller Elected Speaker Pro Tem!

The "Vote Yes to Save Homes" initiative, referred to as Amendment 3 on the ballot, passed overwhelmingly on November 2. The final results: 83.7% voted "Yes", while only 16.3% voted "N0". The amendment prohibits transfer taxes on real estate.

Four of the five CBBT supported candidates were successful including Senator Jay Wasson (20), Senator Bob Dixon (30), Rep. Eric Burlison (136), and Rep. Kevin Elmer (141). Candidate John Sellars was defeated by a narrow margin in the 138th state house district by the incumbent.

Also in the news last week, former HBA Government Affairs director Rep. Shane Schoeller (139) was selected by the House Majority Caucus to serve as Speaker Pro Tem for the upcoming legislative session which begins January 5, 2011. The Speaker Pro Tem presides over the floor debate in the absence of the Speaker of the House. In addition, the Speaker Pro Tem is an ex-officio member of all House committees and is an integral member of the leadership team for the Missouri House of Representatives.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 2!

Remember to vote in the general election on Tuesday, November 2! Based on candidate interviews with the HBA Government Affairs committee and their recommendations to your political action committee, the Coalition for Building a Better Tomorrow (CBBT) chose to financially support several area candidates including:

MISSOURI STATE SENATE

- Rep. Bob Dixon, Senate District 30

- Rep. Jay Wasson, Senate District 20

MISSOURI STATE REPRESENTATIVE

- Kevin Elmer, House District 141

- Rep. Eric Burlison, House District 136

- John Sellars, House District 138

Retention of Judges

For information regarding the retention of Judges, you can review judicial performance evaluations from lawyers and jurors for various sections of the state by clicking here.

Vote "Yes" to Save Homes -- Amendment 3

There are a number of Amendments and Propositions on the ballot November 2, as well. Earlier this year, the HBA of Greater Springfield board of directors endorsed Amendment 3 -- a ballot initiative to permanently protect homes from double taxation. See the video below and answers to common questions about Amendment 3 and you can visit the Vote "Yes" to Save Homes website by clicking here. Amendment 3 is simple and straightforward: “Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to prevent the state, counties, and other political subdivisions from imposing any new tax, including a sales tax, on the sale or transfer of homes or any other real estate?”

Other statewide ballot measures include:

Constitutional Amendment 1
Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to require the office of county assessor to be an elected position in all counties with a charter form of government, except counties with a population between 600,001-699,999?

It is estimated this proposal will have no costs or savings to state or local governmental entities.

Fair Ballot Language:
A “yes” vote will amend the Missouri Constitution to require that assessors in charter counties be elected officers. This proposal will affect St. Louis County and any county that adopts a charter form of government. The exception is for a county that has between 600,001-699,999 residents, which currently is only Jackson County.

A “no” vote will not change the current requirement for charter counties.

If passed, this measure will not have an impact on taxes.

Constitutional Amendment 2
Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to require that all real property used as a homestead by Missouri citizens who are former prisoners of war and have a total service-connected disability be exempt from property taxes?

The number of qualified former prisoners of war and the amount of each exemption are unknown, however, because the number who meet the qualifications is expected to be small, the cost to local governmental entities should be minimal. Revenue to the state blind pension fund may be reduced by $1,200.

Fair Ballot Language:
A “yes” vote will amend the Missouri Constitution to exempt from property taxes all real property used as a homestead by any Missouri citizen who is a former prisoner of war with a total service-connected disability.

A “no” vote will not add this exemption to the Missouri Constitution.

If passed, this measure will decrease property taxes for qualified citizens.

Proposition A
Shall Missouri law be amended to:
repeal the authority of certain cities to use earnings taxes to fund their budgets;
require voters in cities that currently have an earnings tax to approve continuation of such tax at the next general municipal election and at an election held every 5 years thereafter;
require any current earnings tax that is not approved by the voters to be phased out over a period of 10 years; and prohibit any city from adding a new earnings tax to fund their budget?

The proposal could eliminate certain city earnings taxes. For 2010, Kansas City and the City of St. Louis budgeted earnings tax revenue of $199.2 million and $141.2 million, respectively. Reduced earnings tax deductions could increase state revenues by $4.8 million. The total cost or savings to state and local governmental entities is unknown.

Fair Ballot Language:
A “yes” vote will amend Missouri law to repeal the authority of certain cities to use earnings taxes to fund their budgets. The amendment further requires voters in cities that currently have an earnings tax, St. Louis and Kansas City, to approve continuation of such tax at the next general municipal election and at an election held every five years or to phase out the tax over a period of ten years.

A “no” vote will not change the current Missouri law regarding earnings taxes.

If passed, this measure will impact taxes by removing the ability of cities to fund their budgets through earnings taxes. The only exception is that voters in cities that currently have an earnings tax may vote to continue such taxes.

Proposition B
Shall Missouri law be amended to:
require large-scale dog breeding operations to provide each dog under their care with sufficient food, clean water, housing and space; necessary veterinary care; regular exercise and adequate rest between breeding cycles; prohibit any breeder from having more than 50 breeding dogs for the purpose of selling their puppies as pets; and create a misdemeanor crime of “puppy mill cruelty” for any violations?

It is estimated state governmental entities will incur costs of $654,768 (on-going costs of $521,356 and one-time costs of $133,412). Some local governmental entities may experience costs related to enforcement activities and savings related to reduced animal care activities.

Fair Ballot Language:
A “yes” vote will amend Missouri law to require large-scale dog breeding operations to provide each dog under their care with sufficient food, clean water, housing and space; necessary veterinary care; regular exercise and adequate rest between breeding cycles. The amendment further prohibits any breeder from having more than 50 breeding dogs for the purpose of selling their puppies as pets. The amendment also creates a misdemeanor crime of “puppy mill cruelty” for any violations.

A “no” vote will not change the current Missouri law regarding dog breeders.

If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.

You can review actual ballot language on the Missouri Secretary of State's website by clicking here.

Sporting Clays Tournament Was A Blast - See Slide Show!

It turned out to be a beautiful day to shoot clays and to raise funds for the Coalition For Building A Better Tomorrow, your political action committee. Thanks to all those who participated and sponsored the event. Slide show, sponsors and award recipients can be viewed below.

LUNCH SPONSOR: MEEK'S - THE BUILDER'S CHOICE

Participating Yards - Nixa, Republic, Sunshine St., and Kansas Expy.

GUN GIVEAWAY SPONSOR: BAILEY COMPANY

STAND SPONSORS: SAM BRADLEY HOMES and METRO APPLIANCES & MORE

Clay Sponsors: Arvest Bank, Sound of Freedom Indoor Gun Range

Congratulations to the Award Winners:

1st Place Team Award: Average Score of 79.8

Hogan Land Title - Chris Russell, Terry Ozborn, Tim Baker, Steve Bettes, John Russwurm

A Flight: (results out of 100 shots/pre-determined stand used to break ties)

1st Place - Steve Bettes, 93

2nd Place - Stan Triplett, 88

3rd Place - R.L. Bennett, 88

B Flight:

1st Place - Ryan Groeteke, 64

2nd Place - David Beebe, 63

3rd Place - Stoney Roberts, 63

C Flight:

1st Place - John O'Neil, 54

2nd Place - Greg Pickert, 54

3rd Place - Daniel Fugitt, 53

CBBT Sporting Clay Shoot - A Real Barrel of FUN!

REGISTER NOW -- Tournament is almost full! The 2010 Sporting Clay Tournament is scheduled for Friday, September 24 at Ozark Shooters. Lunch will be served at noon and the tournament will begin at 1 pm for all participants. Thanks to our luncheon sponsor: Meek's - The Builder's Choice. All those participating in the tournament will be entered in the drawing to win the gun this year. Thanks to the Bailey Company, our gun sponsor.

This is always a fun event and helps us raise funds for a VERY important organization -- the Coalition for Building a Better Tomorrow -- your political action committee. This is your tool to elect officials who understand that a healthy housing industry is essential to economic prosperity. For registration form, click here.

What is the Coalition for Building a Better Tomorrow?

What is the Coalition for Building a Better Tomorrow (CBBT)? It is your tool to elect officials who understand that a healthy housing industry is essential to economic prosperity. The Coalition, often referred to as the "CBBT", is the official political action committee of the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield. The CBBT's goal is to recruit and support candidates for office who know that policies which nurture a healthy housing market result in job creation and strengthening the local economy.

Why does it matter to you who gets elected to local and state offices?

Officeholders make decisions everyday about mandatory regulatory policy, fees/taxes, planning and zoning -- all of which affect your business, community growth and economic development directly. Winston Churchill once said that public officials see business and industry in one of three ways: "Some regard private enterprise as if it were a predatory tiger to be shot. Others look upon it as a cow that they can milk. Only a handful see it for what it really is -- the strong horse that pulls the whole cart."

How do you want elected officeholders to view your business? As Churchill pointed out, government officials typically view your businesses in one of the three following ways:

-See your business as a PREDATORY TIGER TO BE SHOT
These are the politicians who believe government knows more about your business than you do. They don’t ask for your input even when making regulatory decisions which affect your industry. They trust government more than private enterprise and the free market. They never met red tape and regulation they didn’t like!

-See your business as a CASH COW
These are the politicians that see your business as the way to generate more revenue for government -- they never met a tax or new fee they didn’t like!

-See your business as the STRONG HORSE pulling the cart to market
These are the fellow citizens in public service who understand that our businesses fuel the engine that drives the economy. They understand we take the risk, create the jobs, and purchase goods that generate tax revenue for local governments. They want to remove the obstacles that hamper our progress and when they make decisions about our industry, they ask us for input. These are the people the CBBT works to elect to office.

What can you do to help elect those who understand a healthy housing industry is fundamental to healthy local economy? Support the CBBT financially by participating in and/or sponsoring our primary fundraising event, the Sporting Clay Tournament. The tournament is scheduled for Friday, September 24 this year -- download the registration form by clicking here.

The CBBT has a track record of success:

• Providing financial/grassroots support to HBA member Sam Clifton’s successful campaign for Nixa Mayor in ‘10.

• Creating a legislated alternative to mandatory residential fire sprinkler code adoption for the state and local jurisdictions. This is an overwhelming victory – no one can adopt mandatory residential fire sprinkler code until 2012 and now there is an alternative ordinance model for adopting a mandatory offer of fire sprinklers rather than mandatory installation.

• Successfully supporting and partnering on an initiative to elect pro-economic development candidates to Springfield City Council, three of whom were elected in April 2009.

• Successfully defeating mandates at the state and local level including impact fees, mandatory warranties and other costly, unnecessary regulations.

• Advocating for pro-housing legislation, such as the Right to Repair legislation which passed in 2005 and has proven to reduce liability insurance premiums in the state.

Election Day Victory for HBA Board Member Sam Clifton

With higher than normal voter turn-out, builder and CBBT supported candidate Sam Clifton was victorious, receiving approx. 46% of the vote in a four-way race for Mayor. "I am eager to begin the process of engaging the citizens of Nixa in drafting a new strategic plan for the city," said Clifton. "I truly consider it a privilege to have this opportunity serve my community as Mayor."

Also in Nixa, past HBA board member Tom Maher unseated the Nixa board of aldermen incumbent in Ward 1 with 55% of the vote. In Ozark, HBA member Eddie Campbell unseated the city's Ward 3 incumbent alderman with 54% of the vote. As well, builder member Doug Pitts was elected to the Logan-Rogersville School Board.

Supporters Rally to Help Clifton Kick-Off Mayoral Campaign

Friends, neighbors, family and fans of Sam Clifton, Millstone Custom Homes, attended the Kick-Off Rally for his Mayoral Campaign in Nixa last week. Clifton told the gathering he was looking forward to working with them directly to plan strategically for Nixa's future.

"I want to hear your ideas and priorities for our city," said Clifton. "I pledge to work with you to develop a long-range strategic plan for the City’s future that strengthens our local economy and quality of life.”

Nixa resident and community leader Peggy Taylor said of Clifton, “The outlook for the community is certainly looking up, with someone of Sam's caliber running for Mayor. His integrity and leadership skills make him the ideal person to serve and lead Nixa. I wholeheartedly support Sam Clifton for mayor.”

The HBA's political action committee, the Coalition for Building a Better Tomorrow, approved a contribution to Clifton's mayoral campaign. Sam has a proven track record of professional excellence and public/volunteer service:

-Construction Management degree, Missouri State

-Recognized as one of the “40 Under 40” by the Springfield Business Journal

-Rotary Member

-Nixa Public Building Corporation Board Member

-Christian County Permitting Board Member

-Missouri State Foundation Member

-Home Builders Association, Board Member

-Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Builder, 2009

-Multiple 417 “Home of the Year” Awards

-Volunteer coach for children’s sports teams; past Boy Scout leader and current Sunday School teacher

Sam and his wife Michelle have three children, Dustin (13), Taylor, (16), Nathan (9).

Want to become a fan on Facebook? You can at Sam Clifton for Mayor's Facebook page.