None of the opponents of rent control has come forward with
meaningful arguments that consider the system, but only their own
personal Lilliputian realm. None have any alternative solution.
Everything they argue is about "me" and "my money," not solving the
problem.
The opponents of rent control are so convinced by each others'
arguments that they fail to understand what rent control is being
proposed. Arguments that rent control will not allow a landlord to
cover costs, for example, defy the facts. The proposed rent control
will not only allow the landlord to cover all costs, but must
constitutionally guarantee a reasonable profit on top of it.
I am among those who have urged the City Council to set up another
task force to look into the rental housing issue. I hope to
participate, as I did in the just-cause eviction task force, to ask
the questions and contribute to the body of knowledge, so that we
understand what we are dealing with and how to best address it.
People of stature in the community will come forward on the
tenants' side, certainly. Landlord myths will be exploded, and
personal attacks will not convince anybody. But who will dare
participate on the landlords' side, knowing they have to come up with
information this time, not mere scare tactics? Who among the
landlords has any real alternative plan to solve the housing crisis
other than rent control? ...
Enough sales pitch, landlords. Let's see your product work, and
then we'll decide which way to go.
KEN CARLSON
Glendale
