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Tim Waters is the one candidate who promises to address the affordable
housing issue seriously. As the writer of the "letter to another
journalistic vehicle" referred to by Gregory Iwan, I encourage Longmont
Observer readers to view the candidate debate hosted by the Observer to
confirm this for yourselves. I'll share here what I wrote:
On his website, Tim says: “We need to accelerate construction of additional
affordable housing stock so a portfolio of options is available when
individuals and families are ready to rent or purchase. This is possible
when developers and businesses invest in the community. The Council must
reestablish fair but meaningful sources of revenue for growing Longmont’s
affordable housing fund along with zoning and permitting decisions that
ensure sufficient inventory of affordable homes for our diverse community.”
If that sounds complicated and technical, it’s because Tim has decades of
experience solving problems that are complicated and technical. He knows
that the only way to solve problems is to understand them in all their
complicated, technical details. He thinks in concrete detail. So he talks
in concrete detail. It’s a measure of his deep commitment to making real
progress on all the city’s challenges, including the need for affordable
housing.
There’s a striking contrast if you look at Tim’s principal opponent’s
website. It has one vague sentence on affordable housing. That reflects a
fundamental difference between these two candidates. Tim has decades of
experience as an executive, grappling with difficult problems and making
positive change, even when others thought nothing could change. He knows
how to get things done. Tim’s opponent just doesn’t have the experience,
the credentials, or the proven skills that we need in a City Council
member.
Everyone knows that we face a serious housing problem in Longmont. It’s
getting harder and harder for people to afford to live here. In the
upcoming election for the Ward 1 City Council seat, one candidate promises
to address this issue seriously. That’s Tim Waters.
Kathy Partridge
Longmont, CO 80503
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