Letter: What happened to protection?

Sunday, Dec. 6, 1998 | 9:25 a.m.

Desperate and troublesome situations are still existing in spite of Sen. Mike Schneider's Senate Bill 314, which contained a ruling that the Real Estate Division and their new Ombudsman Department were to assist troubled owners. Instead, owners are being referred to either Steve Urbanetti, who oversees mediation/arbitration, for the initial cost of $50, or "nonpaid" troubleshooters have received calls after being referred to by the ombudsman's office. Is this fair to all the association owners who are financially supporting this department? I think not.

Is anyone in the Real Estate Division supposed to care to exercise any authority on behalf of troubled owners? Gov. Bob Miller, who appointed the administrator in the Real Estate Division, has shown no interest.

Something is terribly wrong with the system. I am constantly told "it is politics!" Sad -- if so. Our political pundits wanted our votes. Who now cares to see that laws are followed? Property tax payers are not being helped in spite of SB314.

Perhaps our governor-elect, Kenny Guinn, will seriously make association problems a priority. The entire Real Estate Division needs an overhaul. Some of us are not being supported by this division. Here's hoping those who need helpful results finally will eventually get them thanks to our new governor.

Judi Root