Jeff Thornton of the Thornton Realty Team with Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood was named the 2021 REALTOR® Active in Politics (RAP) by the Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS® (GLAR) Board of Directors.
The RAP program is designed “to encourage, educate, identify, recruit and recognize REALTORS® contributions of time, investment, and effort at all levels within the governmental/political arena.” The annual award is given to stand out individuals at the state and local level who have been actively involved in their associations and have advanced the legislative agenda of the Michigan REALTORS® through political involvement.
“I am honored to receive this award from GLAR, especially considering there are so many deserving REALTORS® in our area, and I am proud to join the ranks of past RAP recipients who have given their time and talents to move our industry forward,” said Thornton.
Thornton, who was born and raised in the Lansing area, has been a REALTOR® for almost 36 years, and has been active in the industry since the early days of his career. He joined GLAR upon receiving his real estate license and, over the years, he has served on various Association committees and boards. He was on the GLAR Board of Directors for approximately 15 years, serving as GLAR president in 2006. He is past chair of the MLS Committee and Finance Committee and is currently serving on the Public Policy Committee and Professional Standards Committee.
At the state level, Thornton served as chair of the Michigan REALTORS® Political Action Committee and was also on the Michigan Association of REALTORS® Public Policy Committee.
“Serving on the state Public Policy Committee was a truly rewarding experience,” said Thornton. “We monitored state legislation and regulatory policy for the impact it may have on our industry, and we also looked at and endorsed political candidates, not based on political party, but based solely on their voting records and how they approached issues that are important to the real estate industry and homeownership.”
When he is not busy with his career or committee work, Thornton enjoys playing golf and is a die-hard Michigan State fan. He encourages other REALTORS® to find the time to get involved in the political and public policy arena because these issues play a critical role in the future of real estate.
“The two biggest things that impact our industry are technology and regulation, so it’s vitally important for REALTORS® to contribute to these committees and get involved in any way they can,” he said. “Especially in today’s volatile political climate, we need our professionals to bring clarity, direction, and balance.”
GLAR is a member organization committed to serving its members and community by providing progressive leadership, education, and knowledge in the expanding real estate industry. The Association is the leading resource for accurate real estate information in Mid-Michigan. For more industry news, or for a list of local, professional service providers, visit GLAR’s website at www.lansing-realestate.com.
