91ÊÓƵ

Any conflict and contention that arose at the Oregon Capitol on Wednesday was not in Bruce Hanna‘s office.

Representatives from the Oregon Association of Realtors met with the co-speaker of the House to offer their legislative opinions. Realtors like the Roseburg Republican because he speaks their language and endorses their agenda.

Part of that agenda is land-use reform. That is a big issue at the Capitol this session. would establish five regional land-use planning commissions that would supposedly provide cities and counties with more control over land-use decisions.

Realtors meeting with Hanna said they would like to see more flexibility and less red tape concerning developments on land zoned exclusively for farm use. Meanwhile, representatives for the Oregon Farm Bureau Federation are worried that such change could lead to less farm land and more subdivisions.

Hanna told Realtors he favors more local control. He cited the dilemma of vineyard and winery owners who find themselves in trouble when they stray too far from growing grapes by offering facilities for meetings and sponsoring events. Yet such nonagricultural enterprises often are what keep people in business, he said.

Hanna added that he asked Douglas County Commissioner Susan Morgan if she wants to monitor the size of winery gift shops. “Do you really want to be the land-use police?” he asked.

Realtor Day at the Capitol is becoming a tradition for the OAR. More than 600 Realtors traveled to Salem to talk with lawmakers during the 2009 session; Kelli Thompson, a spokeswoman for the association, said more attended this year.

“This is an opportunity to let our legislators know what is important to us and to Oregon homeowners,” said 2011 OAR President Joann Hansen of Coos Bay. “We want to talk about homeownership, affordability and the vitality of communities.”

Specific bills on this year’s agenda include:

• , which would permit local governments to impose a real estate transfer tax or fee, provided it would be structured progressively based on the price paid for the property and length of previous ownership, and exempt transfers featuring first-time homebuyers.

Realtors dislike it. “The more expensive the property you buy, the higher the rate at which the sale will be taxed,” Hansen complained. “A transaction tax will make owning a home more expensive and more difficult, especially for first-time homebuyers.”

A separate initiative campaign is under way to ask voters whether to permanently prohibit transaction taxes.

• , which would establish a fee for filing or recording certain documents with the county clerk. Realtors also oppose this bill.
• , which would increase the maximum fee for recording certain county documents. Realtors oppose this one too.

It’s important that lawmakers realize the importance of the housing industry, Hansen said, especially as the state recovers from the recession.

“Being an engaged citizen is more than just voting once in a while,” she added. “It’s about showing up and showing lawmakers that we are standing by ready to help. An engaged citizenry is central to helping to create the thing we need most right now: jobs.”