You need to see this – Colorado – HOA -The Truth About Why HB 14-1254 Was Gutted From a Legislator

Finally, I got word directly and in writing from a legislator on how and why the Transfer Fee Bill was gutted by the CAI and how CAI misinformation was spread and digested as a solution. This exemplifies what most already suspected about our government process and why citizens don’t get involved in their government.  It illustrates that principles and standing ground on what is right have no place in some folks standards of governance.  Here it is:

1.  The CAI told representatives that if the Bill included fee limits or restrictions on use of the fee they would kill the Bill and it better be changed.  So the CAI indicates it owns our representatives and they won’t tolerate anyone going against their greedy principles.  Well it worked and it was that simple.  What happened to the thousands of emails and scores of telephone calls and personal visits by citizens on this issue? 

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2.  Our legislative sponsors never considered sticking with the orginal intent of the Bill and letting it stand on its’ own merits after being threatened by the CAI.  The sponsors had no faith in their fellow representatives to do the right thing and reform transfer fees and assumed all legislators can be bullied by the CAI. We’ll never know if they were right.  Do any of these folks believe it is better to lose on principles and trying to do the right thing than to bend to money interests?

2.  Legislators were instructed to change the Bill so that oversight would involve property management companies  (PMCs) negotiating with HOA Boards to determine the proper amount and use of the transfer fee.  Let the bank robber be the bank guard or the fox look out for the well being of the chickens.  This outright discussion took place and seemed ok with our legislators.  It would be an insulting recommendation in the real world but in politics it made perfect sense.  These folks have no idea that HOAs are run by PMCs and that any fee proposed will be approved. 

3.  The CAI told legislators that a PMC will honestly brief Boards and home owners on the truth about why the fee is so high and required and be open to debate the amount.  This is not only a lie but ridiculous and insulting to think anyone would believe this but the CAI found a crowd at the Capitol who believes this crap (this is the proper word).  

4.  The CAI told legislators DORA will monitor unreasonable transfer fees and fine those abusing the fee.  A big lie.  DORA has no authority to do this and won’t take on the issue.  This has nothing to do with licensing but legislators continue to drink the CAI tea and believe this. 

5.  The Bill of course will not address the illegal use of the fee by CAMs to supplement income and profits and allow for low bidding on contracts.  Why, the CAI told legislators this doesn’t happen and would never happen so it was not addressed in the Bill. It was that simple.

So here you have it, the evolution and death of a well intended Transfer Fee Bill.  This whole Bill and CAI influence is toxic to our government process, filled with lies, and once again illustrates why our government is alienated from our citizens. Now take a deep breath but be assured if this piece of trash legislation passes this year we will be back next year to get reform.