Housing rights
(and wrongs)
I would like to take issue with Joy Johnson’s comments at the Left of Center’s meeting on Tuesday, May 9, as featured in “Development News” of the C-VILLE dated May 16-22. Ms. Johnson stated that “housing is a right.” Stating that housing is a “right” is not only incorrect, but it is also a misleading statement that creates false hope in those seeking housing. The Supreme Court has not ruled that housing is a right. It may be a goal, a declaration, a desire or even a wish, but it is definitely not a right in these United States. In fact, it’s no more a right than being afforded the “right” to own an automobile, a college education, or even a job. Rather, housing is currently an earned privilege, in that, if you want housing, you must save your money for the down payment with which to buy one. Or, you may apply to an organization such as Habitat for Humanity wherein you may quality for a home at a no-profit mortgage. You must show your need and ability to repay the mortgage, plus you must be willing to provide “sweat equity” by assisting in the building of that home. The opportunity to own a home is based primarily on how much of a sacrifice one is willing to make (i.e., trading in your free time for a second or third job; saving discretionary spending dollars by doing without cell phones, cable TV, dining out, entertainment; putting off having children until you can afford to house them or investing your free time on a “handyman’s special,” a.k.a. “sweat equity”).
Ms. Johnson also states that her reliance on public housing has allowed her to be “independent.” How can one be “independent” if one is “dependent” upon the government to pick up their housing cost? Don’t get me wrong—I don’t know what happened to Ms. Johnson that she has come to rely on the government for her housing. Sometimes bad things happen to people that is no fault of their own. And I am all for providing temporary public housing to those who have fallen on bad times for unpreventable circumstances, just as our system of government has provided other services for the same purpose. However, permanent public housing should be provided for person(s) who have no ability to provide themselves housing due to lifelong physical or mental disabilities. I sincerely hope that Ms. Johnson is able to someday work her way out of public housing to a home of her own.
Ms. Johnson also goes on to state that if she grew up in a community, she should be able to live there. Why is that so? Because she wishes it? Just because Ms. Johnson grew up in Charlottesville gives her no guarantee or right to always be able to afford to do so. Things change, economies shift. I wish I could live in Hawaii, but my income prevents me from doing so, no matter how much I wish it. I am well aware that the housing market in Hawaii is unaffordable to me, and that the job market there is limited. You won’t find me moving to Hawaii anytime soon and demanding my right to affordable housing. Maybe this is the heart of the “affordable” housing problem. Maybe it’s time to take a realistic look at what people want versus what they can realistically expect a community to provide.
To give people what they want, Councilman Dave Norris’ has suggested that the City of Charlottesville adopt a housing trust fund. Mr. Norris, we already have that. It’s called Section 8.
However, let’s make one thing very clear: “Affordable” housing shouldn’t be interpreted to those seeking it as a free ride.
Nancy Vetter
Albemarle County
Radio silence
It would be nice if UVA sports [“’Voice of the Cavaliers’ leaves WINA,” UVA News, May 23] were carried on a station that can actually be heard after sundown on Charlottesville’s west side and at Lake Monticello.
Liz Tidwell
Charlottesville
CORRECTIONS
Due to a production error, a key ingredient, namely curry powder, was missing from last week’s Acquired Tastes recipe, which is reprinted, in total, on page 56 of this week’s paper. We apologize to any befuddled cooks out there.
Due to an editing error, the location and phone for chef Ingrid Cordano’s appetizers class was omitted [GetOutNow, May 23]. The May 24 class took place at The Seasonal Cook, 416 W. Main St., 295-9355. We apologize if you didn’t get there.
Also due to an editing error, the prices for the three games in the UVA-Virginia Tech three-game series, May 18-20, were incorrect. The games were not free, as published. Sorry, fans.
In the proofreading process an error was introduced in what otherwise would have been a funny first paragraph in J. Tobias Beard’s review of American Dumpster’s CD release party [Reviews, May 23]. It should have read, “In the beginning, everybody is tense, or at least having problems with tense, as evidenced by the sign on the backstage door that says ‘Employees only passed this point.’”