More than 40 people braved the remnants of a winter storm to board a bus for the Government Affairs Committee’s annual trip to Richmond. The Realtors® headed to the Capitol on Thursday, January 29 to hear elected officials discuss the 2009 legislative session.

“The response from everyone we spoke with – from the legislators to the staff – was incredibly welcoming,” said first-time trip attendee Ray Leahey of Weichert Realtors® in Fairfax. “Everyone spoke very frankly about their positions on pending legislation.”

Attorney General Bob McDonnell (R), Secretary of the Commonwealth Kate Hanley and a large number of Northern Virginia legislators addressed the group at the beginning of the day’s program.

McDonnell, who is running for governor of Virginia, spoke of the Commonwealth’s long-term transportation and education needs. He stated that the current budget process calls for innovation and consolidation.

McDonnell applauded NVAR’s involvement in the legislative process. “Democracy in America is largely a spectator sport,” he said. “Less than 1 percent of the population participates.” McDonnell urged NVAR members to continue to speak with policymakers at federal, state and local levels.

Hanley described her duties, which, she said, are best known for making recommendations to the Governor for appointment to boards and commissions. She encouraged listeners to visit her Web site at commonwealth.virginia.gov, and apply for one of these positions.

Delegates David Bulova (D-Fairfax), David Poisson (D-Sterling), Ken Plum (D-Reston), Chuck Caputo (D-Chantilly), Kris Amundson (D-Mt. Vernon), Jim Scott (D-Merrifield) and Jackson Miller (R-Manassas) stopped by to discuss legislation they proposed or supported in the current session. Miller, who is also a Realtor®, stressed the importance of remaining vigilant. “There is a lot of legislation that comes through that could be a real detriment to this industry,” he emphasized.

After viewing Senate proceedings from the gallery, Realtors® visited offices of delegates and senators from their own districts to encourage support of Realtor® legislation and interests.

“This is a good way to learn what Virginia politics is all about,” Sharone Lathrop, associate broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in McLean, said. “Whether you’re a novice or a 20-year veteran, there is something to gain, because laws keep changing whether you’re involved or not.”