Fiscally Responsible Republicans - First Answers Then Funding 6/1/03
Your interest in how the Housing Authority of Portland does business with taxpayer funds is appreciated. In the near future you will have to vote on a package which will include funding for HAP's Villa remodel project. I need your help to do the following.
1. Limit the allocated size of private activity bonds so that the Columbia Villa project does not get any of the funding. Add a budget note that no private activity bond money may be assigned to HAP's Columbia Villa project.
2. Find and actively support a legislative vehicle that can be amended to include expanded Section 8 authority for all housing authorities in Oregon to restrict Section 8 housing in neighborhoods that already contain government owned buildings used to house low-income clients.
I urge you to send these questions to HAP and require an immediate answer.
1. How many clients does HAP serve and where are they located by neighborhood?
2. Will the Portsmouth neighborhood still have the highest number of low-income HAP qualified clients in the City of Portland, Multnomah County and the state of Oregon after the proposed Villa remodel?
3. What is the difference in cost to house similar clients in HAP owned housing versus section 8 vouchers?
4. What is the true market value of the property and the land HAP plans to demolish and sell at Columbia Villa?
5. Does everyone agree that HAP's plan to sell public land below market rate is a good idea?
Would you allow any state agency to refuse to give you information that was critical to your budget vote. Certainly not. HAP was created as a PUBLIC Corporation under state law. You must demand that it provide you with the same kind of information that you would expect from any other public entity before you vote for funding.
Your party controls the House. It is obviously essential to have its support. Please contact your colleagues and persuade them to demand fiscal accountability and provide the legal tools for housing authorities in Oregon to balance the placement of taxpayer funded low-income clients throughout their jurisdictions.
I will take time out from my business, rearrange my schedule and drive to Salem to meet with you this week or anytime soon to discuss this issue if you are seriously interested. Thank you for your help.