As we draw closer to the yearend, we have the opportunity to honor many in our field. As you can see on the cover of this month’s magazine, we have once again recognized those Rising Stars in Real Estate who are going to be the future of our association and industry. In their distinguished hands, I have no doubt our outlook is bright.

This is also when we look to our members to nominate one of your own for the REALTOR® of the Year and John E. Wolf Citizenship Cup awards. The nomination form is located on page 14. If you know anyone who lives up to the ideals of these awards, please submit them.

We are also honored to have a great field of recommended candidates for City of Houston elections coming up on November 8. Our Political Affairs Advisory Group goes through an in-depth screening process to find the best candidate in each race who will best work on behalf of REALTORS® and homeowners.

There are also important Texas Constitutional Amendments on the ballot, especially Proposition 2, which would authorize bonds to be issued for water development projects across the state. To put it simply, the state would issue the bonds to raise the money to loan to municipalities to fund the projects. The state has a very good credit rating and therefore is able to borrow money more cheaply. This will save our towns and cities money that may be used on other services, rather than paying interest.Please take particular notice of Propositions 1, 2 and 8,which are supported by TAR and HAR.

It is obviously important for you to make your voice heard at the polls, and we want to hear it at the Association as well. This is the time of year when we ask for our members to volunteer for the various advisory groups at HAR that help shape our market and industry.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly of all, I encourage each of you to take note of the REALTOR® Safety 101: Protecting You and Your Clients course that will be held at HAR on November 7 and 8. Each day is approved for five hours of MCE credit, and based on the number of calls we are receiving from members about various scams (and, yes, the Foot Fetish Creep is still making calls), this is a course that should not be missed.

Until next month, stay safe and engaged.