Disney Files - ARDA-ROC PAC - WHAT THE HECK???

[BeccaG]

Don't waste the stamp, simply write a note on it, with suggestions for improving DVC, not asking for contributions to a political lobbying organizations that benefits developers.

One: who designed the bathroom/kitchenette in the BLT studios.

I got what you are saying, but the donation envelope requires a stamp. . As to others who talked about ARDA and what its done for us, what you are claiming may be true but a few thoughts

1. They represent the industry, not the owners. Its like when we remind folks that Disney is a company out to make money, not that this is bad, but their goal is not to make all your dreams be true. Let's not be fooled into thinking that ARDA is out to protect us first and foremost. Their goal is to protect the industry, helping us is a side benefit or a means to an end. It would be like the airline PAC asking us for money so they can continue to fly us around the country.

2. Its the placement of said request for money in my Disneyfiles that riles me a bit. I am a political junkie but I don't want my vacation and my politics mixing. This is the kind of thing you bring up at the owners meeting, which it appears they did, but only at the owners meeting and not in what I thought was a fun little reminder of home magazine. Plus if your dues pay for DisneyFiles, as others have said, he is using my money to promote his political cause.

Look, I don't think its the end of the world, and the above makes me sound angrier about it then I am, its just disappointing to see and saddens me a bit.

 

[BeccaG]

And the contributions they made:

http://watchdog.net/lob/c/700070646

Wow Chris Dodd benefited a lot from them. . .

 

[tomandrobin]

Its not enough that we pay property taxes for our timeshares, but they want to double dip on our ownership. Its easy to go after timeshare owners, since most do not live in the state and there for do not vote. Timeshare owners become an easy target without fear of getting voted out of office.

We are benefiting from ARDA indirectly...true. But if not for them, we will continue to pay more and more.

 

[Deb & Bill]

.... But if not for them, we will continue to pay more and more.

No, the developer is continuing to charge more and more. Can they be legislated, too?

I really have no problem paying a tax to use the state's roads and other services.

And I think SC should be taxing non-owners to stay in timeshares. Same with FL.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

I just got my Disney Files and was wondering quite the same thing-what the heck? (although not those EXACT words). What nerve to solicit us for this. No matter how good the cause, I just think it was bad form.

 

[tomandrobin]

No, the developer is continuing to charge more and more. Can they be legislated, too?

I really have no problem paying a tax to use the state's roads and other services.

And I think SC should be taxing non-owners to stay in timeshares. Same with FL.

Developers will charge whatever the public is willing to pay.

Really....you want to pay more money? You pay maintenance fees, which already include taxes, and if you exchange you have to pay an exchange fee, and now you want to pay more on top of all that?

But if someone is exchanging into a resort, that means they paid maintenance fees and taxes at a different resort. So you are in support of double taxation?

 

[Deb & Bill]

Developers will charge whatever the public is willing to pay.

Really....you want to pay more money? You pay maintenance fees, which already include taxes, and if you exchange you have to pay an exchange fee, and now you want to pay more on top of all that?

But if someone is exchanging into a resort, that means they paid maintenance fees and taxes at a different resort. So you are in support of double taxation?

I won't be paying any exchange fees since I will only use DVC. I have zero desire to trade out.

And, like I said, I wouldn't fee bad about paying these taxes if I had to. I already pay hotel taxes on my hotel stays. I have no problem at all with non-owners paying a separate fee for staying in a timeshare. In fact, I think all non-owners should be charged an extra fee to stay at a timeshare they don't own. Just like DVC does with RCI members who trade in.

I'm sure not getting the money that they gave out to all their friends in Congress. Thanks for that link, Sammie.

 

[JimC]

Locations that exist primarily because of tourism need to allocate infrastructure costs to tourists. Otherwise it becomes prohibitively expensive to live in a tourism destination or the infrastructure is inadequate or in disrepair.

Yes it is easy to pass on taxes, fees and other levies because tourists do not vote. Most don't even know the extent of the infrastructure costs they pay. They are embedded in landing fees, ticket charges, special sales/resort taxes, cost recovery fees, toll roads and the like. Most are well reasoned and are a fair allocation. Some go over the top.

ARDA purpotedly acts on the behalf of developers and owners. And in some instances our interests are similar, but not always. As Dean said earlier it is common for timeshares to solicit its owners on behalf of ARDA.

I don't have a problem with the soliciation or DVC's involvement, but I won't contribute.

 

[DoOverDreams]

I am glad I'm not the only one who was a bit peeved by this unwanted solicitation asking us to donate money to a political action committee. Whether or not this committee works in our best interest I can't say since I don't know enough about them. I will read up on it now. I personally don't believe the article itself, nor the envelope with donation slip inside, belong in our DVC member magazine.

This magazine should be dedicated to Disney and DVC, not someone's personal ambitions. I can't help but wonder if our dues were used to purchase and print the envelopes and slips, not to mention stuff them in the magazine?

If Jim Lewis wants to push his personal agenda on us DVC folk (which I don't think he should, but that's a whole 'nother story), why doesn't he do it via email instead? Save some trees. Keep the magazine dedicated to Disney and DVC.

Ok, off my soap box now.

 

[Brian Noble]

It could be worse. Wyndham owners had to opt-out to avoid the "contribution". Of course, the notice for how to opt-out was buried in the fine print at the back of an otherwise innocuous (and unrelated) form letter.

 

[TLSnell1981]

YUP got ours too! We were a little confused as to what the heck it was?
We filed it.....Shawn

Ummmm.....filed mine too!

Don't waste the stamp, simply write a note on it, with suggestions for improving DVC, not asking for contributions to a political lobbying organizations that benefits developers.

One: who designed the bathroom/kitchenette in the BLT studios.

Is this conversation allowed?(Don't spank me...I couldn't resist)

 

[pycees312]

It could be worse. Wyndham owners had to opt-out to avoid the "contribution". Of course, the notice for how to opt-out was buried in the fine print at the back of an otherwise innocuous (and unrelated) form letter.

exactly could be worse. I find it interesting that just because it had Jim's name tied to it there were some people who were quick to judge before doing any real research. If you dont understand something when you see it try and figure it out.

 

[Deb & Bill]

exactly could be worse. I find it interesting that just because it had Jim's name tied to it there were some people who were quick to judge before doing any real research. If you dont understand something when you see it try and figure it out.

I really don't care whose name is on it. DVC should not be soliciting political contributions from the members through the member newsletter. And coming from the VP of DVC makes it even worse. Plus the envelope with the contribution card goes to Member Services Accounting. Are our staff handling his political contributions?

If he had written a paragraph on this organization and how it affects DVC and left the rest of his column to talk about the new Villas at Grand Californian, that would have been a lot different.

 

[Chuck S]

I really don't care whose name is on it. DVC should not be soliciting political contributions from the members through the member newsletter. And coming from the VP of DVC makes it even worse. Plus the envelope with the contribution card goes to Member Services Accounting. Are our staff handling his political contributions?

If he had written a paragraph on this organization and how it affects DVC and left the rest of his column to talk about the new Villas at Grand Californian, that would have been a lot different.

I'd much rather have them send an envelope and use the newsletter to try to solicit voluntary contributions rather than have it tacked onto our dues, as other timeshares have done. I wonder if the overall "dues" for DVC to be member of this organization is "$x per owner" and who pays it, DVC (membership) or DVD/Disney? Legally, I'm sure it is considered a trade association that happens to also have a PAC associated with it, like many trade associations. Thus, I think DVC does have the legal ability to join on the owners behalf.

 

[anna08]

I would like Mr. Lewis to spend his time improving the quality of our DVC and not being in a big administrative role for this PAC. I think it is in poor taste for him to ask for donations in this way - I'm sure he'll get lots of credit for any money he brings in, but it is OUR dues that paid for those envelopes and the publication endorsing the group. I'm sure it didn't come out of his pocket.

 

[zev]

Here is a recent article on HB 61 that was supported by ARDA.

WASHINGTON, August 3, 2009 — According to The American Resort Development Association (ARDA), recent passage of legislation by Florida's state legislature ensures that important protections for timeshare owners are in place. In addition to ensuring timeshare owners will not pay tax on timeshare exchange transactions, the bill, HB 61, codifies a common industry practice regarding the taxation of transient stays at timeshare resorts as well as allows timeshare developers to offer "Debt-Cancellation" products to purchasers..........
COLOR]

http://www.resorttrades.com/news.php?act=print&id=3713

Considering we already pay extra for exchanges and normal dues to DVC. I see no reason to "donate" additional amounts, period. I have already paid more then enough for so called representation. Still, glad they have this Florida is already getting more then enough taxes from my dues, and spending. It's not like they are paying me to come there.

 

[DVC_Corrys]

Here is my thought on the issue:
-The ARDA does indirectly benefit us, but mainly the developers’ benefit. I am fine with that.

However, Jim should have sent out a separate mailing and not used the DVC Magazine for that purpose. Even though the card and envelope were outside the magazine his note was essentially a pitch for support. This is in bad taste. The DVC Magazine is not a trade publication.

I would have no problem if he sent out a separate mailing as head of the org. and how we are helped by them and then asking us to help.

 

[Chuck S]

The DVC Magazine is not a trade publication.

But it is a publication dealing with DVC, not just Disney, and the ARDA does have some impact on DVC and its membership.

 

[BigEeyore]

I agree that a PAC solicitation has no place in our member magazine. I am fully aware it is a timeshare, but Disney is about so much more than that.
And while we are talking bad taste - what is with the photoshopped BLT pic on page 5??? They set the castle between BLT and the CR - why why why? There was just no need for that.

 

[Waltsworld]

I would not have been opposed to this donation request, if not for the last Disney Files issue that came out. In that issue, it had several negative political innuendos (towards republicans). I don't think any politics belong in our wonderful world of Disney, whether it's right or left. Walt's dream was for us to forget about the real world while enjoying all things Disney. I hope they respect Walt's wishes.