NEWSLETTERS - ORDA maintains presence to head off problems with attorney general

ORDA maintains proactive presence with AG's office

Gary Ferriman of Showplace Rent-to-Own

A trio of Ohio rent-to-own veterans took their industry's message to the state attorney general's office Tuesday in a proactive move meant to open dialogue and show the industry's due diligence in addressing consumer issues.

Ohio Rental Dealers Association President Mike Tissot and fellow dealers Gary Ferriman, owner of Showplace Rent-to-Own, and Ernie Lewallen, owner of UHR Rents met with Nadine Ballard, Ohio's section chief for consumer protection, March 25.

Ballard works under Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann.

The rent-to-own dealers were pleased at Ballard's assessment of the industry and the strides made since Ohio's rent-to-own law was passed in 1988.

ORDA President Mike Tissot

"Each Monday our office compares a list of our top 50 concerns in the state of Ohio and your industry, Rent-to-Own is not on our radar," Ballard said. "I have worked for the Ohio Attorney General since before your law was passed and I remember the criticisms of your industry. Whatever you all have done has worked because I cannot remember the last time rent-to-own came up in this office”

A team of ORDA members makes the trip to the attorney general's office every two years, according to Lewallen, a tradition that began shortly after passage of House Bill 421, Ohio's rent-to-own law.

"We feel it is far better for ORDA members to stay up front in their position to be good operators who abide by Ohio law," Lewallen said, "so that if a problem ever does arise it can be dealt with by people who can work together in an attempt to solve issues."

Ernie Lewallen of UHR Rents

ORDA attorneys Fred Mills and David Hoeffel also attended the meeting.

Ballard was clear to point out to the RTO cadre that she would like consumer education included as a component of any new consumer bill. She said she would like to see a program developed to better educate consumers about all the details of a transaction before they enter into one.

ORDA leaders agreed and offered to work in conjunction with the AG’s office to spread educational platforms to their customers should the AG’s office develop programs such as the one suggested by Ballard.
 
"She (Ballard) indicated to me she seems to understand the value of our transaction and a need for our business," Ferriman said. "I think it's very wise to open up these lines of communications. By us being proactive, it gives us the opportunity to handle issues ourselves and stay in the loop. I don't think you can afford to get too comfortable."

mevans@rtohq.org