UTA Hires Lobbyist in Washington State

In order to address legislation that has been introduced in the Washington State Senate, at the behest of Governor Christine Gregoire – that could end nonjudicial foreclosures in Washington and at the least would impose sweeping new duties on trustees – UTA has hired Brad Tower and Holly Chisa as lobbyists.

The bill, SB 5810 would significantly increase trustee’s exposure to potential liability and reduce the stability of land titles affected by a nonjudicial foreclosure.

Brad Tower has been lobbying the Washington State Legislature as a principal of Tower Ltd since June, 2000 and on behalf of financial institutions since 2004. Mr. Tower represents a variety of business interests in the state of Washington, including retail, industrial, agricultural, and professional organizations. Among his accomplishments, Mr. Tower has crafted and achieved passage of numerous pieces of legislation protecting the franchise value of Washington’s community banks, including legislation to allow for reciprocity with regard to interstate de-novo branching and restrictions on the introduction of ILC’s into the state.

Lance Olsen, Esq., of Routh Crabtree Olsen, P.S. testified at the Washington House Judiciary Committee hearing on the legislation on Wednesday, February 11th on behalf of UTA. That testimony was drafted by Mr. Olsen and David Fennell, Esq. of Routh Crabtree Olsen, P.S. In addition to the work of Olsen, Phil Adleson, Esq., Adleson, Hess & Kelly, UTA’s Corporate Counsel, will work with Brad to address concerns in the current draft of the legislation.

Again, we are requesting that members contribute to our efforts to retain this lobbying representation in Olympia, Washington for the entire legislative session. We are seeking to raise $15,000 from members by the end of March, especially from members who conduct foreclosure sales in Washington.

Please make your checks payable to UTA and send your contributions to:
Washington State Fund
c/o United Trustees Association
2030 Main Street, Suite 1300
Irvine, CA 92614

Thank you for your support during these times of increasing legislative pressure on the default servicing industry.