To the editor:

Tuesday, I delivered our rental license applications and check to City Hall. Wednesday, the J-W reports the “proposed” plan to inspect rentals “still moving forward,” needs “further review.”

Letters from City Hall sounded like this ordinance was a done deal. If our rentals weren’t licensed by Sept. 16 we’d be prosecuted and fined. Hmmm. Prosecution? Fines? The ordinance isn’t even finalized? Aren’t they jumping the gun just a little?

Some comments the City Commission should review:

You’re creating a true “nanny city” here! You must think renters are incapable of taking care of themselves. They can’t refuse to live in a dump? Can’t pick up a phone and complain when a landlord isn’t responsive to problems? Can’t boycott a bad landlord? You’ve got to be kidding!

As a Realtor, I’ve shown many rentals. Believe it or not, some people, for strange, unknown reasons, choose to live in “pieces of trash.” I wouldn’t, but if they do, why not?

If a landlord is a poor businessman, letting his property become “a piece of trash,” report him to the blighted property department! If it gets so bad no one will rent it, he deserves the loss of income that results. This is how the marketplace works. Free enterprise in action!

Interesting that the J-W article didn’t report comments from renters. Maybe they don’t need or want the city to hover over them, dictating their lifestyle. If renters are not concerned, I wonder if this action is really necessary?