Dear Editor, The recent and past negative campaigns regarding
low-income housing is not only personally offensive but from a
community standpoint just irresponsible.
Money must not shape our community’s core values
Dear Editor,
The recent and past negative campaigns regarding low-income housing is not only personally offensive but from a community standpoint just irresponsible. Our community education level is quite high with many college graduates and post graduate degree residents indicate that we are capable to differentiate fact from fiction. Yet somehow we have allowed a few to promote unfounded fear albeit to protect their own financial self interests.
There is no statistical evidence to support any argument that low income single family homeowners contribute to blight or crime more than anyone else in Morgan Hill. Our violent crime rate is nearly the lowest in the county according to FBI data.
It is proven in our community that you cannot differentiate a market rate household from a low income household. Opposing positions are grossly inaccurate, exaggerated and come from those with deep personal financial interests who would seek to overturn a viable and sensible community process for their own benefit.
It is understandable that developers and real estate agents would rather see these homes sold at market rates to enhance their profits. But those self interests cannot displace our social obligations for a diversified community. We do know that clustering low income families would have the same effect as the failed urban projects of the ’50s and ’60s. Now torn down and nearly forgotten, we have new housing policies to promote economic desegregation at an acceptable ratio in compliance with state guidelines that promotes a healthy community.
One important fact to note, no one is forcing anyone to build in Morgan Hill. The policies are clear. If someone wishes not to conform to the housing processes and regulations, they are free to choose to build elsewhere. Our standards are set for purpose and obligation. Any builder who constructs a home in Morgan Hill does so with full knowledge of the conditions, opportunities and constraints. To cry foul after the fact is simply indefensible.
If Morgan Hill hopes to maintain its reputation as a progressive and enlightened community, then we must have policies that do not segregate populations by income when there are choices. To do so would have us fall into discriminatory practices for which America has spent decades and more than two centuries to abolish. We must not substitute fear for sound reasoning and good judgment, and most of all we must not let money dictate our community policies and practices or shape our core values.
Mark Grzan, Morgan Hill
Thanks to Congressman for urging Corps to finish flood control project
Dear Editor,
On October 13, 2009 I sent a letter to the Morgan Hill Times praising the wonderful work of several of our local and regional politicians. In that letter I mentioned how happy I was with Congressman Jerry McNerney’s (CD11) voting record in Congress. I also expressed my concern about the “Water Package” passed by the California Legislature, in which I echoed the same concern about the $11.1 billion Peripheral Canal that Congressman McNerney has.
In my praise of Jerry McNerney’s voting record and his comments about the Delta Canal, I did ask the Congressman a very important question about getting an update on the Little Llagas Creek flooding issue that Morgan Hill businesses and residents have been struggling with for years. Not only did he give us an update, but sent The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers a strongly worded letter saying that “constructing Llagas Creek flood protection infrastructure is essential to the safety of Morgan Hill residents and the long-term economic future of the community.”
Thank you Congressman McNerney, for sending that letter to the Army Corps of Engineers on behalf of Morgan Hill residents, businesses, and agriculture. For too long we were ignored by former Congressman Pombo and others, but now after nearly four years in office, and many trips to our City, I feel confidence and trust in our Representative. I am sure that many others feel the same way.
Last but not least I was very pleased to hear That Ludewig Ranch has re-opened after the horrible sewage spill because of the October flooding. I wish your family a wonderful holiday season.
Swanee Edwards, Morgan Hill
