David Mintz, CAE has been the Vice President of Government Affairs for the Texas Apartment Association (TAA) since October 1992. NAA caught up with David to discuss the legislative session in Texas, how he got involved in politics and his interests outside of work:
NAA: What were TAA’s state legislative priorities in 2015?
DM: Passing legislation to prevent cities from passing antidiscrimination source of income for housing vouchers, tax issues.
NAA: What were your legislative successes in 2015?
DM: We passed all four of TAA’s affirmative bills, including limiting source of income ordinances. We successfully advocated for business tax cuts benefiting the industry, and prevented anything bad affecting the industry from being passed over TAA’s objections.
NAA: How did you get involved in politics?
DM: I knocked on doors as a kid when my dad ran for school board.
NAA: What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
DM: The most challenging aspect is responding when well-intentioned advocates want to ‘solve’ a problem that either doesn’t exist or the solution is totally impractical from a business perspective.
NAA: What are your typical day-to-day responsibilities?
DM: I’m not sure any day is typical. Even after 23 years, I don’t know what to expect from one day to the next.
NAA: What do you think are the biggest threats to the industry?
DM: Local government fee increases and industry-related ordinances, increased focus on fair housing issues and greater pressure for more affordable housing.
NAA: What is your favorite political movie?
DM: All the President’s Men.
NAA: What is your favorite non-political movie?
DM: Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
NAA: What was the last “non-political” book that you’ve read?
DM: Year of the Dunk by Asher Price.
NAA: What do you do during your down time?
DM: Go out to hear live music, row, run, bake bread, drink beer and watch Netflix.
NAA: Where did you go to school?
DM: University of Texas.
NAA: What is your favorite restaurant?
DM: Uchi.
NAA: Who is your favorite sports team?
DM: Astros (until recently known as the Lastros).
NAA: What is on your bucket list?
DM: International travel and hike part of the Pacific Crest Trail or Appalachian Trail.
NAA: Is there anything else about your job, association or personal bit of information that you would like your colleagues across the country to know about?
DM: I organized the first Government Affairs Roundtable in 1998.