The views stated here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors of this newspaper. We welcome supporting or opposing views on any published item. Received November 4, 2024.
Renee LaMark Muir demonstrated excellent preparation for the candidate forum recently. Her public service experience was clearly in view as she explained creative problem solving measures to address affordable housing in our local towns.
She informed voters in the audience that only 2% to 3% of housing in Deep River, Essex, Haddam and Chester is classified as affordable under state statutes, but has since been criticized that the statistics don’t reflect the “naturally occurring affordable housing that already exists.” One might ask for documentation on where this “naturally affordable” housing exists. Anyone looking for housing in our community would be hard pressed to find it.
In fact, the letter supporting Kathryn Russell indicates that government intervention is not needed because the housing market will “adjust naturally” when Baby Boomers downsize, bringing more homes on the market. Yes, there may be more homes on the market, but who can afford to buy them? Certainly not those most in need of affordable housing. To take this discussion further, where will the Baby Boomers go when they downsize? They too may be in need of affordable housing in the community where they hope to remain.
The policy promoted in the recent letter in support of Kathryn Russell clearly rejects any legislative action to generate affordable housing for those who need it most. Renee LaMark Muir is a public servant who is in tune with the needs of her local community. She understands the needs of the people she serves and is committed to finding reasonable solutions, instead of letting the market determine an outcome. That sounds appealing to a businessman who is more focused on financial gain, but it does not address the needs of real people.
A businessman does not a public servant make. One may have a degree in business management, but it takes more than business acumen to be a public servant. I support Renee LaMark Muir for State Representative in the 36th Assembly District. I trust her to care about the people she serves and to generate creative solutions to affordable housing in our community. If the problem of affordable housing could be resolved “naturally” we would not be having this conversation.
