Jim Lewis Lobbying For Undocumented Workers?

[DVC92]

I finally received the latest Disney Files. So Jim Lewis is now leading the charge of a Political Action Committee (ARDA-ROC PAC) in addition to being President of our member's association (DVC) and head honcho of DVD. That is a lot on one's plate.

What really raised my eyebrows is the following:"During the year ahead, ARDA-ROC PAC will work on our behalf on a number of critical efforts, from protecting timeshare buyers against predatory lending practices to ensuring comprehensive immigration-reform law addresses the economic needs of both future workers and undocumented workers already in the United States."

While cleaning up lending practices seems in line with working on members' behalf as well as other discussions on this board regarding fighting timeshare-associated tax increases, his other primary focus for the year working on behalf of undocumented workers (illegal aliens) already in the US puzzles me. What drives this passion? Am I, as a DVC member, indirectly paying the salary of a man enabling or engaged in the practice of currently employing illegal aliens? If this is found to be the case, will the member's association (DVC) be liable for fines or prosecution by the Federal Government?

In the very least, I am appalled that Jim Lewis took the liberty to solicit a PAC contribution in our members' magazine. Such a solicitation may possibly violate federal law. It also appears that Mr. Lewis utilized DVC staff, a DVC publication, and had additional matter printed (accompanying contribution card and envelope) paid for by our membership dues for questionable purposes.

 

[whitfamily]

Few things from someone who does politics for a living:

1.) Organizations like ARDA-ROC always have a Chairman who is the "head honco" from industry, as well as the Board of Directors. This ensures the associations actually represent the industry the work for. A full-time President or Executive Director manages the day-to-day work and the Chairman really just speaks to media on behalf of the group, signs letters and may fly-in for a few Board meeting and lobbying sessions in DC. It is actually not a major lift.

2.) It is not illegal for corporate funds to be used to operate or support a Federal PAC, it is however illegal to directly deposit funds into the PAC. For instance, the Joe Smith Construction Employees PAC will be funded by individual donations. However, much of the overhead for operating the PAC (PAC Manager, marketing, lawyers, accountants) will be paid by the company through its normal operations. This ensures money given to the PAC does not fund too much overhead and its kind of a back door way for a company to put money in. In this instance where the PAC is for an association the member organizations will often solicit their stakeholders, which is perfectly legal. Trust me when I say a company like Disney knows FEC compliance in-and-out!

3.) Agree with you on the "undocumented workers" (read:illegal immigrants) piece. Kind of a stupid thing to say. Immigration reform for access to labor from other countries is probably wise for when the economy returns to normal. I know in my pre-political days of running restaurants it was nearly impossible to find someone who wasn't a migrant to take a $7.00/hour dish washing job that did not let out until 3am. If I had trouble finding three people can you imagine the troubles Disney has for the thousands of those jobs they need everyday.

 

[DVCPAT]

I finally received the latest Disney Files. So Jim Lewis is now leading the charge of a Political Action Committee (ARDA-ROC PAC) in addition to being President of our member's association (DVC) and head honcho of DVD. That is a lot on one's plate.

What really raised my eyebrows is the following:"During the year ahead, ARDA-ROC PAC will work on our behalf on a number of critical efforts, from protecting timeshare buyers against predatory lending practices to ensuring comprehensive immigration-reform law addresses the economic needs of both future workers and undocumented workers already in the United States."

While cleaning up lending practices seems in line with working on members' behalf as well as other discussions on this board regarding fighting timeshare-associated tax increases, his other primary focus for the year working on behalf of undocumented workers (illegal aliens) already in the US puzzles me. What drives this passion? Am I, as a DVC member, indirectly paying the salary of a man enabling or engaged in the practice of currently employing illegal aliens? If this is found to be the case, will the member's association (DVC) be liable for fines or prosecution by the Federal Government?

In the very least, I am appalled that Jim Lewis took the liberty to solicit a PAC contribution in our members' magazine. Such a solicitation may possibly violate federal law. It also appears that Mr. Lewis utilized DVC staff, a DVC publication, and had additional matter printed (accompanying contribution card and envelope) paid for by our membership dues for questionable purposes.

This hit a nerve with me as well. Disney is a place to escape from politics and the pressures of work. I don’t want to be solicited for any political contributions through Disney. I’m sure our DVC dues paid to purchase, print and mail the info to every DVC member. I’m going to contact Disney and complain!