by Reggie Jones, Esq.
The practice of architecture is a regulated profession that is dependent on the actions of the General Assembly and the Administration, not only for the activity of the profession but also for much of the business atmosphere in which a Virginia architect operates. Elected officials decide:
- how your profession is regulated;
- how government policies are developed for the conduct of your business;
- how your profession is taxed;
- how government procures professional services; and
- the priorities for expenditure of revenue collected from citizens.
In order for your profession to have a voice in the political process, it is important to support those candidates who best represent your viewpoint on the issues. The cost of communicating with constituents and running for office has escalated geometrically over the past 15 to 20 years and it is imperative for candidates to raise enormous sums of money to be successful
In order for AIA Virginia to play a significant role in the election of the right candidates, members of the profession need to encourage qualified candidates to run for office and to support the good legislators so they can continue to serve. By giving adequate funding to AIA Virginia’s PAC, it provides your representatives a better opportunity to be in the room when the candidates are formulating their policies and determining how to vote on issues that impact architects, the businesses you serve and the community where you live.
For comparison, below is the giving data for the reporting period 2015–2016 (which represents the most recent 2-year election cycle):
$349,632 Medical Society of Virginia
$521,665 Virginia Dental Association
$152,450 Va. Society of Certified Public Accountants
$208,045 Va. Optometric Association
$141,000 Va. Society of Anesthesiologists
$60,280 ACEC of Virginia
$10,750 AIA Virginia
I urge your profession to step up your contributions to AIAVA for political contributions. It is one of the best investments you can make for the future of your profession and your community.
You can make a contribution today at www.aiavapac.org/give