Local elections hinge on real estate issues

From rental inspections to point-of-sale ordinances, local issues played a key role in getting REALTOR®-friendly candidates elected in municipal elections this week.

REALTOR® candidate Nancy Mangilo-Bittner was elected to the Meadville City Council. She drew attention to several issues including the council’s proposed residential rental inspection program that was unpopular with voters.

Rental inspections were also a deciding factor in the Suburban REALTORS® Alliance’ (SRA) support for Dan Williams in his re-election bid to the Quakertown Borough Council, according to Erin Smist, SRA government affairs manager. Williams has been supportive of REALTOR® opposition to a rental inspection ordinance. 

Economic development was a key issue for the REALTORS® of York and Adams Counties, according to Shanna Wiest, RAYAC government affairs director. RAYAC supported two candidates in the York City Council election. Henry Nixon (D) won his election. The city also elected a new mayor: RPAC-supported Kim Bracey (D) won 71 percent of the vote.

Matt Drozd (R) of Allegheny County has remained a solid voice on Allegheny County Council District 1 for property tax cuts and opposition to realty transfer taxes increases. The REALTORS® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh supported Drozd in his successful re-election campaign because of his stance on real estate issues, according to Jennifer Cloonan, RAMP government affairs director.

Both REALTOR®-supported candidates Jack Whelan (R) and Rep. Mario Civera (R), also a REALTOR®, won in the Delaware County Council election. Both conveyed a firm understanding of REALTOR® issues in the county and received the support of Southeast REALTORS® PAC (SERPAC).

The Greater Harrisburg Association of REALTORS® has been battling two proposed point-of-sale (POS) ordinances in the Borough of Camp Hill and used this election as an opportunity to educate voters. Four of the seven seats in the borough council were up for re-election and two new candidates who haven’t yet decided on the POS issue won the election. “We believe this is a big victory because in January two of the POS supporters will be gone,” said Sherri Pursel, GHAR government affairs director.

More detailed local election results are available at parealtor.org.