A bill that would have made it illegal for landlords to reject Section 8 vouchers was voted down 6-1 in the Baltimore County Council. Towson’s councilman, David Marks, said the government should work to eliminate poverty, not spread it around, according to this article in The Baltimore Sun.
I agree with David Marks, the way to end poverty is with job training and smaller class sizes in low income areas. This is a much better way to spend our tax dollars. I live in Perry Hall, who is paying the expensive rents charged on town home units? There is no mass transit to commute to jobs. No, I am not a racist, my first born son is African American and just earned his Masters that he paid for by himself. Very proud. My children know the value of education and because of this are now better off then their parents. EDUCATION AND JOB TRAINING = the only way to end the cycle that grips certain parts of my county.
My statement to the County Council after the meeting:
Good evening, members of the County Council, I’m Dr. Laurie Taylor-Mitchell, and I am speaking to express my deep disappointment and sadness in your decision today not to pass the Home Act.
To Julian Jones, we are tremendously appreciative of all that you have done to try and pass a bill that would have ended an insidious form of housing discrimination, one that is partially responsible for Baltimore County becoming the most racially segregated county in the state.
Councilman Jones, we appreciate your efforts on behalf of the elderly, the disabled, veterans, and those who work at low-paying jobs, the vast majority of voucher holders, several of whom gave eloquent testimony a few days ago in this room. You did not reject their pleas for the opportunity to have a choice in where they live.
We appreciate your understanding that after waiting at least 8 years for a voucher, the chances that someone is going to mess up that precious opportunity are pretty slim.
We appreciate that you understood that several counties in Maryland, including Montgomery County, which passed this legislation 25 years ago, continue to do well.
It is my hope that the other members of the Council may one day share your perspective on this issue.
Thank you.