Realtors Association Major Donor to Lansdale First PAC

Realtor Richard Strahm has some pull.

The Democratic Lansdale Borough Council candidate in Ward Three is a member of the Montgomery County Association of Realtors, the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors, according to Lansdale First treasurer Denton Burnell.

Thus, Suburban West Realtors Alliance, a group that supports real estate agents and consumers, threw its support behind the campaign of Strahm with a $1,054.80 contribution via the Southeast Realtors Political Action Committee to the nonpartisan Lansdale First PAC, according to Lansdale First's 2013 campaign finance report for April 2 to May 5.

Suburban West Realtors Alliance serves Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties. 

Burnell said that through their Southeast Realtors PAC, they support local Realtors who are running for public office. 

Strahm first came onto the Southeast Realtors PAC radar last May when he spoke to the administration and finance commitee about new borough fees and how they may affect the homeowner. 

"The Suburban Realtors Alliance took notice, and when Richard decided to run for office, they were happy to support his candidacy," said Burnell.

Of the $1,054.80 contribution, $54.80 is in-kind, according to the report.

There are more unpaid debts than expenditures on the Lansdale First campaign finance report.

Per the report, there is an outstanding balance of $1,674.35 due to creditor Strahm, for expenses like yard signs, website fees and fundraiser refreshments. Lansdale First candidate Mary Fuller, in Ward One, is the creditor for $61 for business cards, per the report.

All in all, Lansdale First accounts $2,880 in total funds. Another Lansdale First candidate in Ward Three, Bob Willi, accounts for a $100 contribution.

Lansdale First PAC has endorsed Fuller, Willi, and Strahm for council, and Doug DiPasquale for mayor. It has registered as an indefinite nonpartisan PAC, according to Montgomery County Voter Services.