WADE V. REALTORS: Board prez Carol Van Gorp cries foul

On receipt of the same mailer from the Wade for Mayor campaign Dr. Parke received, Columbia Board of Realtors president Carol Van Gorp responded.

 

Dear Jerry:

 

First of all, let me say how much we appreciate you taking the time to speak to our members for Net week.  The interview can be seen on www.columbiarealtors.tv.   We privately discussed some of the negative turns that other campaigns have had, and I assured you that our organization was very neutral in the mayoral campaign and had not participated in any disparaging efforts.

 

However, I was very dismayed when I received a copy your recent campaign literature, which said this: 

 

Your Choice for Columbia’s Mayor Could Not be More Clear

 

A candidate recruited by Fred Parry, Don Stamper and the Central MO Development Corporation…or Jerry Wade

 

A city of urban sprawl, strip malls, fast food chains, and run-off….or Jerry Wade

 

A city run by and for special-interest Realtors and high-stakes developers…or Jerry Wade.

 

Come on, Jerry -- you’re killing me! 

 

First of all, that is a very low-blow and insult to Jason Thornhill who is the only REALTOR® (yes, it should all be in caps with a registration symbol) I know who has any part in running the city. 

 

And there is Doug Wheeler on Planning and Zoning.  Did you mean him? 

 

Why would you insult them?  

 

And who are "Special-interest realtors"?   What is their special-interest?   Did you mean all of our members who volunteer their time at various civic and philanthropic organizations so that our city can grow and prosper?  Or did you mean my members who work really hard to help families find a beautiful, safe home and neighborhood?

 

Just who did you mean, Jerry?

 

Carol S. Van Gorp, RCE, CAE, CIPS, e-Pro
Chief Executive Officer

Columbia Board of REALTORS
2309 I-70 Drive, N.W.
Columbia, MO 65202

 

RELATED:

 

Wade apologizes for Realtor reference

1 comment:

1. 
   KevinApril 6, 2010 at 5:12 AM

   Anyone who insists that the word "realtor" be spelled in all caps with a registered trademark symbol is someone not to be taken seriously.