When I was knocking on doors for Rep. Karen Clark (in 2000) this issue came up more than once. It was usually, young, educated people like my friend who are just "starting out" with car payments and huge student loans who felt that the rent raises were just too hefty to afford.
I realize that property owners who rent out thier units have a mortgage and property taxes to pay, but given the economy (lowest interest rates in history, housing shortage, budget cuts and possible property tax increases) isn't there some measure that could be taken to temporarily ease the rapidly rising rent burden and at the same time ensure that property owners continue to have a succesful business?
I think there is. Why not a poperty tax freeze (like my State Senator, Larry Pogimiller, suggested this last legislative session) but coupled with a rent freeze (hey, seems like everything is getting "frozen" these days, i.e. wages, benefits, hiring, etc). until the city meets an "x-number" of affordable housing units?
It seems that everyone makes out ok, especially those most in need.
Aaron Neumann
Holland
TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.)
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