Illinois Sen. Chuck Weaver speaks to REALTORS® at the IAR Public Policy Meetings in East Peoria.

Illinois Sen. Chuck Weaver told Illinois REALTORS® on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016, about the value of establishing relationships and being an advocate for the industry.

Weaver, R-Peoria, who represents the 37th Senate District, spoke at the IAR Public Policy Meetings held in East Peoria this week.

Weaver thanked REALTORS® for the support they provided him, extending back to when he was a Peoria City Council member.

Weaver acknowledged the power that IAR’s members bring to policy debates, and said building longstanding relationships through consistent contact and dialogue was critical to the process.

“Always negotiate from a position of power,” Weaver said. “REALTORS® have power.”

Weaver took the state senate seat formerly held by U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood who moved on to represent portions of Central Illinois in Congress. As a state senator, Weaver now represents all or part of 10 counties in Central Illinois. Weaver has a long track record of service, having worked in Peoria as a lawyer, businessman and later as a member of the city council. He’s always been willing to listen to REALTORS® regarding private property rights and industry concerns.