The Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors’ philosophy has been questioned and our recent positions opposing two similar referendums —one in Amherst in 2007 and the other in Aurora in 2008 — are misunderstood. Both called for bonds to purchase land to be used in order to preserve green space as well as deter an overabundance of development.

Despite our attempts to explain why we opposed such legislation, the endorsers of these campaigns have made every effort to distort our positions and want the public to think that Realtors promote rampant development. Therefore, I would like to set the record straight: The Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors supports the goal of preserving green space and recognizes it as essential to the quality of life in Western New York.

So why would we invest thousands of dollars in fighting the two referendums? Because the last thing this region needs is added expenses that will result in higher taxes. We can achieve the same goals set forth by the referendums without spending more than $15 million, the total amount proposed.

We were one of the first groups to endorse the Buffalo Niagara Partnership’s Framework for Regional Growth. The essence of this program is that development occurs in areas where infrastructure already exists, thereby preserving green space without any cost to taxpayers. We also respect the master plans that have been developed by a number of communities that control where and how construction takes place through zoning codes.

Just as those who have attacked us question our motives, we wonder how spending these large amounts of money could benefit Western New York’s residents. We are in the most difficult economic times since the Great Depression, Western New York is suffering from an exodus of people abandoning the region due to a lack of jobs and businesses and state taxes continue to rise while funds for municipalities have been cut. This does not deter some from wanting to spend money on problems that may occur years from now, or from finding solutions that will add to our financial burden. The irony of the whole situation is that building permit requests throughout the region are at an all-time low.

Realtors’ association representatives welcome the opportunity to meet with officials and community activists to discuss ways to achieve our common goal — preservation of green space, focused development and controlling sprawl — without increasing taxes or government spending. We have at our disposal the National Association of Realtors, which will provide experts in the areas of conservation and smart growth free of cost. Working together toward a common goal and communicating face to face is always more productive for all parties concerned, particularly residents.

We are proud of our stance, and will continue to fight for homeowners and residents in our community.

Mike Johnson is the president of the Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors.