> From: Joseph Tamburino <http://www.us.oracle.com/~jtamburi> > Date: Tue Oct 5, 11:46am > > But more than that, I do have a great sympathy for people. > For instance a while back in Ma, there was > a ballet question that went like this: "Choose yes if you > want to repeal rent control in the city of Boston". > > Now, I'm against the concept of rent control since it forces > owners to a) loose money, and b) not maintain their buildings. > So you end up with disgusting buildings that don't work and > which become a haven for drug dealers. I voted "NO" on this > question, despite these cold hard facts. Why? Because in > this case, choosing "yes" would have sent people out on the > street. There was no plan to do anything about the existing > renters who would not be able to afford the increase. I would > never vote to create more homeless people. But the law > was passed, and we have no more rent control in Boston. > Would I ever vote for reinstating it? Absolsutely not, because > I'm against rent control. Do you see the conflict here? Hi, Joe. I am glad that you ultimately voted in favor of rent control, but, although I agree with your reasons, the main issue is local control. I strongly believe that every town should be an island and have its own policies and not be dictated to by the state or the federal government. I do care about the poor, but I care more about towns having autonomy. I guess this is my "T" side coming out. (I tested as borderline T/F.)