Oops, sorry, yes, my Flex is EOY. So you are correct. But the main point is that it’s exactly the same as 2024, no change.
The ARDA fee is shown as optional on my bill. I never pay it and haven’t had the problem you are having. I always pay online and it’s easy enough to just deduct it, I’ve never had it carry over. I don’t know why you always have this problem (and I’m sorry that you do.)
One is a political action committee which makes donations to politicians and candidates for office.
I am not an expert, but my understanding is that ARDA-ROC is not allowed to give their money to the PAC. PAC money has to be specifically donated by individuals.
So the difference is a PAC is something that uses money to support a candidate or candidates. They can spend money on election campaigns or donate to a candidate. Any organization can setup a political lobby. So the ARDA-ROC is a lobby organization where the PAC makes political contributions?
Yes. The ARDA-ROC might meet with elected representatives or encourage their members to write letters to support a cause, but they can't donate money to politicians. And because foreigners can't donate to politicians, PACs can't take donations from foreigners.
I don't think this is how ARDA-ROC primarily operates. They are pretty much 100% a lobby and advocacy organization, mostly at the state level.
What is your definition of lobbying? They undoubtedly meet with politicians and attempt to influence legislation. But I don't think they can give money directly, they have to use the PAC for that. Technically the two organizations are separate but of course they coordinate their activities.
My understanding is the same as yours. You just use the term "might". I think it is much more than that. As noted while the two arms, ROC and the ROC-PAC are legally separate, politicians know where the money is coming from and who is doing the asking. Setting up a lobby organization isn't cheap. Costs can start at $10,000 a month per state and I am sure they lobby in a lot of states.
I agree. But the two interests are not necessarily mutually exclusive. There are many situations where owner interests are the same or higher than developer interests. I know ARDA-ROC successfully lobbied against Hawaii TSO (Timeshare Occupancy Tax) being raised to be based on 100% of the maintenance fee instead of just 50%. That would have resulted in the occupancy tax doubling for all timeshare occupants. I am sure there are others. I would also hope, but don't know, that the ROC doesn't lobby for certain consumer protection laws. I know that ARDA has in the past.
I spoke with a representative, who discussed it with others, and was told that the ARDA fee was not included in my 2025 assessment. So, the reps that I spoke with over the past nine months were misinformed. Based on the estimated budget that we had received I now believe the fee is not included. We will pay our balance due and move on.
I don't believe they've added or removed any inventory from Westin Flex (or Sheraton Flex). New conveyances have been going to the MVC Abound Trust.
