FYI.NCGA studying problems with homeowner associations. Philip W Poe <mailto:PWPoe@att.net> PWPoe(a)att.net 919.832.6777 voice 919.522.1078 mobile 919.832.6775 fax From: Ruth Merkle (Rep. Heagarty) [mailto:Heagartyla@ncleg.net] Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 11:09 AM To: info(a)wakeupwakecounty.com Subject: From the Office of Rep. Chris Heagarty Representative Chris Heagarty Room 2121 Legislative Building 16 West Jones Street Raleigh, NC 27601 (919) 733-5602 Chris.heagarty(a)ncleg.net Volume 1 Nov-Dec. 2009 Picture of John Christopher Heagarty Rep. Heagarty Named to Select Commission Studying Problems with Homeowners Associations I am pleased to have been appointed by Speaker Joe Hackney to serve on a newly formed committee, The House Select Committee on Homeowners Associations. This appointment will allow me to serve both the House of Representatives and the people of my district, including the many citizens who have already contacted me about issues related to homeowners associations. The House Select Committee on Homeowners Associations was created this year to increase the protection provided by homeowners associations and to increase resident participation and in the groups. Particular areas of study include assessments, fees and requiring associations to maintain detailed records that are accessible to all members. I will also be working to identify and curb any abuses in the current system. If you are a homeowners' association member, please contact us with any concerns you might that we can share these with the study commission. Committee Assignments* - Appropriations Sub-Co. on Transportation - Commerce, Small Business, & Entrepreneurship - Health - Science & Technology - State Government / State Personnel - Transportation * The Speaker has not finalized my committee assignments. Until that time, I am following the committees assigned to my predecessor, Rep. Harrell. On a personal note. As your new state representative, I want to thank you for this opportunity to serve the people of District 41. This newsletter will be the first of many keeping you connected to what is happening in the House of Representatives. I hope you will contact me if you have questions about the information here or anything else in state government. These are tough times for many people, and even though the economy is beginning to rebound, it may take some time before we, the people and the state, recover financially. To be frank, recent headlines aren't too far off: things are a mess. But, with hard work and with your input, I will do my part to make things a little bit better for the people and families of House District 41. Thank you again for your trust and for allowing me to represent you and I look forward to working with you. What Issues Are Most Important To You? What Issues Are Most Important To You? Contact my office and let me know what issues or concerns should be a priority when the General Assembly reconvenes on May 12, 2010. Not Printed or Mailed at Government Expense KEY CONTACTS Each day my office receives a large number of calls, letter, and e-mails from citizens who are experiencing a problem with a government agency, a private organization, or a personal situation. Many times, citizens contacting us are unaware of the organizations and resources that exist that could help solve their problems. Here are a few of the resources available that might be useful when a problem arises and you don't know where to go for help: ADOPTION (State and County Levels): The Division of Social Services & Adoption oversees child placement services in each county, and can direct you to each county's placement office - 1-800-733-3801. ATTORNEY REFERRAL: Receive informed, non-biased, referrals for private attorneys with experience handing the kind of case you are facing - 1-800-662-7660 AUTOMOBILE TAGS & TITLES: For license plate information, and information on licenses and renewals, contact the NC DMV Customer Service Office Center is available at 919-715-7000. BUSINESS START-UP INFORMATION: A start-up guide is available from the Small Business Administration online at: www.sba.gov/starting_business/startup/guide.html DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES: Questions, concerns, or complaints can be referred to the property department or agency via the CARE LINE at - 1-800-662-7030. CONSUMER COMPLAINTS: Attorney General Roy Cooper's Consumer Protection Section of the Department of Justice may be able to provide advice or relief in many types of commercial disputes - 919-716-6000. (Continued in our next newsletter...) Community Meeting Highlights 10/27 - Cary "Gangs in Our School" presentation by Cary Police, moderated by Councilor Erv Portman, sponsored by the Western Wake Democrats. - This meeting provided a valuable look at the innovative and effective programs of Cary's IMPACT team. ---------------------------------------- 11/10 Raleigh SEANC District 39 Annual Building Contact Luncheon - State employees, many from NCSU, expressed their concerns about the state health plan and next year's budget. ---------------------------------------- 11/13 - Cary "Davis Drive Middle School" Tour of the middle school and meetings with school Teacher of the Year Larry Nilles, his students, and Principal Karen Summers. - Asked about Davis Drive, many students said it was a school where they felt safe and secure, where they were being well prepared for high school, and where the teachers cared about them personally. This newsletter is printed as a public service by the office of Representative Chris Heagarty with private funds. It is neither mailed nor produced at tax-payer expense. To receive a print copy or an e-mail copy, please contact our office at Chris(a)chrisheagarty.com and specify the type of newsletter (print or e-mail) you'd like to receive.