Shelter is a basic human right and need. When settlers populated our country, the community often helped new families with food and shelter. Times have changed, but not the desire for individuals and families to have a home. It is difficult for people in Madison County, like in other places, to find affordable housing. Our recently adopted comprehensive plan proposes that the county “create housing options that give people in all life stages and all economic means viable choices for safe, stable, and affordable homes.” I support this lofty goal, and I will work, if elected, to improve access to affordable housing for all of our citizens. The county has a responsibility, I believe, to participate financially in giving our citizens more opportunity for an affordable home or rental unit. Here are some steps I would pursue if you elect me to the commission:
Promote the creation of a Madison County Housing Authority that will be governed by a combination of county and citizen representatives. Encourage each town to do likewise, and encourage all of them to work together to provide housing opportunities. Financially support the activities of the housing authorities and support the creativity of people who care about providing affordable housing.
Start a Madison County Public/Private Community Land Trust, or join and existing Land Trust, to begin to preserve land to be used for affordable housing. The Land Trust could also be used to preserve farmland and open space in perpetuity, thus reducing the loss of our farmland and keeping our agricultural identity to the greatest extent possible.
Require housing developers building large subdivisions to provide a percentage of lower cost housing for new homeowners. Pass ordinances that support mixed use development in towns and populated areas to ease the burden of access for new home buyers and for renters. This can also help to reduce sprawl.
Put a limit on the number of rental units that can be owned by out-of-county renters so that the quality of rental units and rental prices can be controlled as much as possible.
Reduce real estate taxes for some elderly homeowners and for first time home buyers, who have the greatest need for financial support.
I will support and work to enable all of these steps if elected.