WILL THE 'TRUMP EFFECT' ENCOURAGE MORE REAL ESTATE EXECUTIVES TO GO INTO POLITICS? Posted by YJ Draiman

WILL THE 'TRUMP EFFECT' 

ENCOURAGE MORE REAL ESTATE EXECUTIVES TO GO INTO POLITICS?

National Jan 31, 2017 Jarred Schenke, Bisnow, Atlanta - Forbes

If Donald Trump's election proved anything to Peebles Corp founder Don Peebles, it is that Americans value business leadership over political experience. So for someone who has successfully managed a portfolio of billions of dollars in commercial real estate, a city with an $80B budget should be just as easy.

Peebles is still mulling a run for New York City mayor in an attempt to unseat incumbent Bill de Blasio in the Democratic primary. He is just one of a handful of commercial real estate executives across the country who are eyeing public service in the wake of Trump's historic win of the U.S. presidency. 

“I think Donald Trump's election as president is a lasting change,” Peebles said, regarding high-level political positions. "No more will a person seeking a political seat have to be a career politician. They will not need to have that experience of the career politician or the career public servant to go and seek America's highest office.” 

Is This The Trump Effect?

This 2017 election season is seeing a handful of current and former real estate executives jumping into the political arena. 

IV Capital's Sidney Torres IV is considering a run for mayor of New Orleans, and, in a Trumpian twist, will be starring in a reality show. 

YJ Draiman, a retired real estate executive, is running for mayor in Los Angeles for a second time. 

LA Mayoral Candidate YJ Draiman and Son David Draiman the frontman for Disturbed

And the biggest names of all are running for mayor in the president's hometown: Peebles, Massey Knakal brokerage co-founder Paul Massey and Abyssinian Development head Calvin Butts. 

Attributing a plethora of political candidates with commercial real estate backgrounds seeking public office to Trump winning the presidency may be overstating things. But a successful Trump administration could certainly have a long-term, inspiring effect of more commercial real estate and other private sector executives pursuing public office, said Loyola Marymount University political science professor Richard Fox.  

“It's way too early to say there's a Trump effect, but yes, there's a potential for that,” Fox said. 

In a study he and American University professor Jennifer Lawless conducted for the National Science Foundation, Fox said there was a measurable uptick on the number of African-American high school and college students who expressed interest in pursuing political roles while Obama was president. Unless Trump crashes and burns, Fox said he would expect a similar effect under Trump. 

The Perception Of Developers Is Changing

                                  YJDraiman.org Miriam Draiman, David Draiman and YJ Draiman 

“There is a negative connotation for being a developer," Draiman, a retired Chicago real estate investor who did hundreds of residential rehabs in Chicago with his former company, Bankers Realty, said. "I've seen a negative effect from various people who I met. They feel, when they see a developer, that it's a no-no." 

Today, Draiman — whose son, David, is the Grammy-nominated frontman for the rock band Disturbed — is hoping to discover the power of politics in his quest for the Los Angeles mayoral seat in the March primary. He also ran for mayor in 2013, and in a 2011 interview with L.A. Weekly, he was making many of the same cases for himself Trump made in the presidential campaign. 

"Some politicians were basically coerced, if you want to call it, to support a developer," he told the publication. "And remember, I was a developer myself, so I know where it's going to and where it's coming from."  

This time, he is running on the platform of pushing for economic development and for pushing for smarter growth and development with developers in the city. Much of his rhetoric is similar; after all, it worked for Trump. 

“The public as a whole feels that large, wealthy developers, since they contribute so heavily … to various other elected officials, they have an in, if you want to call it,” Draiman said. "They get by with certain benefits that the little guy doesn't get. And it's true. I won't deny it. I've seen it with my own eyes." 

Terranova Corp founder Stephen Bittel takes exception to the idea that any real estate executive who jumps into the political arena does it because of Trump's success. For Bittel — who recently was elected as Florida Democratic Committee chairman — the longtime Democratic Party donor and activist was mulling an ascent long before Trump announced his candidacy. 

“American history is replete with successful business leaders getting involved in the leadership of our country,” Bittel said. “I think Donald Trump, what he did for a living, has nothing to do with this. And to suggest that might even encourage people not to seek careers in public service. I don't think that the electorate cares about how you made your money, I think they care about how you lived your life.” 

If You Can Build It, The Votes Will Come 

Courtesy: Avison Young Kirk Rich 

Atlanta native Kirk Rich has been enmeshed in the commercial real estate industry for decades. He is president of the Georgia Chapter of the Certified Commercial Investment Member organization; a board member of Invest Atlanta — the city's economic development arm; and a member of Georgia State University's real estate board. 

He recently sold his boutique Atlanta third-party leasing and management firm to Avison Young, and has been tapped to head that firm's third-party platform. 

Rich has also thrown his hat into the ring for Atlanta City Council's 6th District seat, which covers a wide swath of Atlanta's most prestigious neighborhoods, including Morningside-Lenox Park, Druid Hills, Virginia-Highland, Piedmont Heights, portions of Midtown; the nexus of growth since the last recession. 

“I don't think Trump has affected people in real estate wanting to run for office,” Rich said, noting he did not support Trump for president. “But I think people are tired of politicians, and they're looking for people from the private sector. And Trump is about as private sector as it gets.” In Atlanta, the issues trumping voters' priorities in city council races are about growth and development, and the stress associated with it on traffic and infrastructure. And that's where Rich said real estate executives can be effective in public office. 

“That opens the door for people who understand commercial real estate development to get involved,”  he said. "And they need to get involved, because with the challenges we have I don't think they've been at the table enough already." 

While voters might find appeal with a business person running government, at least in New York City, where Hillary Clinton snagged 80% of voters, “I'm not necessarily sure being in the real estate business, especially in light of President Trump, is an advantage,” Peebles said. In fact, he added, it could be a double-edged sword. 

What being a commercial real estate executive does, Peebles said, is give him the ability to manage city issues and delegate authority. After all, one of the biggest issues facing New Yorkers is right in a developer's wheelhouse: housing affordability. 

“Real estate developers, by and large, don't have a very specific technical skill set. They have broad vision and leadership skills to be able to lead a team and be able to execute,” he said. 

But Peebles is also taking some cues from executives cum politicians like Trump and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg (whom Peebles credits for blazing a trail with New York voters to accept a private sector executive in high public office): he vows to largely self-fund his campaign, if he runs. Peebles also said he will instruct the executives running Peebles Corp not to do any real estate deals in New York City while he's mayor to avoid conflicts of interest. His firm also has projects in Charlotte, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Miami and Boston. 

Bittel is taking a similar tactic during his four-year stint as the Democratic chair: He will not draw a salary, nor will he seek expense reimbursements, he said. 

“I'm doing this for all the right reasons,” he said. 

Private World, Public Business 

Courtesy: Jennifer Lawless 

Lawless said it's not uncommon for politicians to have come from the private sector. Typically, a third of Congressional members have backgrounds in Corporate America or business ownership. The other common paths are from law, education and career political activism. Those ratios were consistent with congresses in 2001, 2008 and 2011, Lawless said, with Republicans substantially more likely to have a business background. 

“When you think about local office, I'm not surprised by the real estate background [of candidates], because they really know the community,” she said. 

Lawless said it is too early to tell if President Trump will inspire more real estate executives to enter politics, especially on a national level. That will come to bear in the 2018 election, perhaps. 

“We know generally speaking when somebody becomes president of the United States," she said, "that that person's qualifications and background automatically become legitimate” in the eyes of the voters.

Rich said his experience in the industry is a plus on a city council that, essentially, is all about urban planning. If you run on the idea of smarter development that doesn't affect traffic negatively, “you'll win,” Rich said. 

See Also: BGC Partners Is Taking NGKF Public Related Topics: Chicago, New Orleans, American University, Atlanta City Council, Don Peebles, Kirk Rich, Abyssinian Development Corp, Loyola Marymount University, Paul Massey, President Donald Trump, Trump Effect, YJ Draiman, Bankers Realty Capital, Jennifer Lawless, Richard Fox, Calvin Butts, Bakersfield, Kyle Carter, Carter Realty , Sidney Torres IV, IV Capital, Boise, Tommy Ahlquist, David Draiman , Disturbed

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Conservative American Party - Power to the people - YJ Draiman

Conservative American Party - Power to the people - YJ Draiman

Returning America to the vision of our founding fathers.



In this dear land which we love may we close our national ranks in a new unity, as principalities of darkness seek to destroy the precious things we hold nearest our hearts

Don’t just hope for a better life – vote for one

America is a country of a distinguished founding, unique historical experience and has a grand path to the future. We also believe the United States has contributed more to the political, economic and financial betterment of the human condition than any previous collection of nations.

Our party supports immigration policies that are enforceable, Until new immigration laws are passed, the U.S. Government shall use all legal means under current Federal Law(s) to protect our borders, halt illegal immigration, deport illegal aliens who are caught and fully prosecute companies that knowingly hire them. No federal or state funds should be used to provide health care (except in cases of emergency), social services and education benefits for illegal aliens or their children. Sanctuary cities should lose Federal funding and be prosecuted. Illegal aliens shall not be granted drivers licenses nor have the right to vote in any local, state or federal elections. 

Our party strongly supports the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution which stipulates that a well regulated Militia is necessary for the security a free State and that the rights of all law-abiding U.S. citizens to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. We further understands the right to bear arms is inherent in the right to individual self defense, the defense of the family, protection of private property and the preservation of traditional hunting rights. The 2nd Amendment was also designed to protect the people against the tyranny of the federal government and to help preserve the independence of this Nation.

The U.S. Government must adopt monetary policies that reverse our nation’s headlong descent into unsustainable debt, ongoing fiscal irresponsibility and progressive slide into de facto socialism. These policies should include auditing the Federal Reserve Bank to increase its financial transparency.

Economic Prosperity
U.S. should adopt measures to help revive and sustain economic vitality with: Incentive which could include low taxation to businesses who employ Americans, reduce unemployment and promote American made products.

Congress should enact Payroll Tax credits for small businesses to spur growth; provide U.S. multi-national corporations with tax credits for hiring U.S. citizens to work in America.

We encourage American multi-national corporations to stop sending jobs offshore. We should also encourage Shareholders and Boards of Directors to help sustain the U.S. economy by halting this short-sighted practice by building more manufacturing plants and Call Centers inAmerica by providing a balanced reduced taxation based on number of employees and performance in products and services provided by Americans.

“Buy American”. We encourage the American public to do its part in sustaining the U.S. economy by purchasing products “Made in America” whenever possible. Americans should also encourage stores to stock American made products. A “Buy American” initiative will help U.S.companies create jobs in America.

Social Security benefits yearly cost of living increase should be tied to the same percentage of cost of living as Federal employees.

The U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights are the Supreme Law of the land and shall be taken literally. Our rights are natural rights and are given to us by our Creator that no man can take away. All laws infringing on these rights must be repealed. All treaties that impose International Law on Americans which usurp the Constitution or Bill of Rights must be revoked.

Support the “Birthright Citizenship Act of 2009” (H.R.1868) that rejects the concept of giving automatic citizenship to children of illegal aliens who are born within U.S. borders.

Human life is nature’s continuum which begins at fertilization and is not interrupted until natural death. Constitutional personhood is the secular legal definition of the continuum of life. It is a law of logic that contradictory statements cannot be true at the same time. If nature’s continuum of life is true, then the secular continuum of life must also be true because if the secular continuum of life contradicts nature’s continuum of life, one is false.

English should be the official language of the United States. IndividualStates and Congress should enact laws that reflect that principle with exceptions for State Department, U.S. Immigration office functions and international ports/airports. Congress must mandate that all language in the public domain must be English and other language forms in the public domain should cease under penalty of the law. This does not restrict the rights of States to print materials in other languages as they deem necessary. While it may appear to be a civic gesture of good will, giving foreign languages equal status with English results in eroding the unique culture of our country. The United States was, is and must always remain an English speaking country.

True marriage is only between one man and one woman. We support a Constitutional Amendment that would outlaw gay marriage. Although ruled unconstitutional, continue to support the intent of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) that allows any state to not recognize the same-sex marriage license issued by another state.

The United States military should allow military personnel to carry firearms while on base. The 1993 Clinton ban should be lifted so that soldiers can be prepared to defend themselves at any time.

The U.S. should secede from United Nations and remove it from American soil. Foreign powers have conspired against the United States, the Constitution, its sovereignty and its people.

American foreign aide should be predicated on shared values and observation of human rights.

Conservative – Strong defense, Small government, Low taxes, Fiscal responsibility, Adherence to the Constitution, Defense of American sovereignty, Law and order, Colorblindness, and Traditional American values including, but not limited to respect for human life, Personal responsibility, and love of country.

Almighty G-d, You have given us this good land for our heritage. We humbly ask You that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Your favor and glad to do Your will. Bless our land with honorable endeavor, sound learning and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties and fashion into one united people the multitude brought here out of many nations and tongues. Endow with the Spirit of wisdom those to whom in Your Name we entrust authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that through obedience to Your law we may show forth Your praise among the nations on earth. In time of prosperity fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble do not allow our trust in You to fail. Amen.