Give a RIP

[shinblind]

I am both surprised and disappointed that the local landlord association didn't field a slate of candidates to run in the upcoming election. They along with the renters will both be negatively affected by the Rental Inspection Program and one would think that it would be in their best interest to overturn this law from the inside. Apparently their complaints at City Council meetings in opposition to the RIP was effort enough although ineffective. Either that or they believe that by challenging a current council member in the election,that this would lead to retributions  against their rental property.

Maybe in their hearts they actually support the Rental Inspection Program and all they are saying is give RIP a chance.

[XLFD]

The local landlords and tenants have been very quiet since the RIP passed, even when a developer was snuck in to town to get immense tax breaks and future grants to go into direct competition with them.  Then the only people in the race that have opposition to the RIP is myself and Steven Von Pfahl.  That's it?!

My opponent, incumbent Les Johnson did vote against the measure, but this vote was mostly annulled by what he said afterwards at the meeting.  He said he was supportive of a RIP but wanted more time and more input to get it right.  In other words, he supported the measure but couldn't vote for it because of all the rental properties in his ward and the likelihood it would become a big campaign issue.

[Jasper]

Let us not forget about all the stringent rules/laws for homeowners outside the city limits. There are special land use permits, zoning permits, occupancy permits, building permits, driveway permits, perk tests to just name a few! It is a sign of the times, and a sad sign. Permits upon permits to do what one wants to do on their own property! And then throw in all the inspections after. Crazy times we all live in!! More and more governmental control at every level.

[XLFD]

Just remember that Former County Commissioner Chairman Chuck Lange said during the RIP debate that the County government has rejected wholeheartedly the concept of rental inspections.  But once a city within a county adopts something like this, the county will have more of a basis to do so, once landlord-commissioners like Mr. Lange have retired or became a powerless minority. 

It needs to be fought at every incremental stage at every level of government.  Yet, each year it seems like we have more and more officials elected and appointed into government who believe more government is better for this country.  We already have too much.

[Willy]

I doubt there are many, if any, counties that have rental inspections. This is mostly a City based type of  program. It is confusing why landlords did not push harder to keep the rental program from being created or why they did not challenge it in court. I guess they don't want to rock the boat and risk having a heavier boot of City enforcement on their necks.