Realtors back McKenna; honor Ranker - SanJuanIslander.com

Around the Web: Turning bacteria into clothes » Susanne Lee turns sugar-fed bacteria into clothing and handbags. Ranker was the prime sponsor of legislation this year that rejected a Department of Revenue interpretation of tax statute requiring offices to pay Business and Occupation (B&O) tax on other Real Estate offices' commission amounts; it meant taxing a portion of real estate commissions twice. Experts have estimated that the legislation will save the real estate industry millions of dollars over the next five years. The legislation changes the term regarding these structures from non-conforming to conforming. The structures will still be subject to the new regulations adopted by the counties. On the local front, his Consumer Protection Division has been investigating reports of lenders and trustee services not properly reviewing foreclosure documents or following other legal procedures. About 300 members were at the conference and took part in committee meetings and education classes. Realtors' top public policy priority is building communities that have a strong economy, attractive home choices, great schools and parks, safe neighborhoods and good transportation choices. Realtors