Friends in Odd Places...
Since some attention has been recently paid to the upcoming photo ordinance, I felt it proper to give a quick update regarding its progress. I appreciate Kate Maternowski’s thoughtful comments on this issue in Friday's Badger Herald.
Over the past couple weeks, I have discussed the language and potential effects of the ordinance with people on both sides of the debate. I am pleased that students, tenants, advocates, and several alders have shown great enthusiasm for the new law. Understanding that the best suggestions for altering a proposal often come from its strongest opponents, I asked for a meeting with Nancy Jensen, the president of the Apartment Association of South Central Wisconsin, to discuss what I expected to be grave concerns about the ordinance.
The result was very surprising. Ms. Jensen revealed to me that she, along with her organization, believes the ordinance is a good idea. She spoke to the point that it was unfortunate that the government needed to coerce landlords into following a "great business practice," but understood the necessity of writing it into law. Unless there are drastic changes to the language of the ordinance, Ms. Jensen will be actively urging the Common Council to support its adoption.
I am grateful for her bold leadership on this issue; her willingness to disagree with some of her colleagues demonstrates her sincere concern for tenants’ rights, honorable business practices, and the student population at large. While there are hundreds of great landlords, both downtown and elsewhere, some have developed the tendency to generate exaggerated and, in several cases, bogus charges against the tenants with whom they should be serving with honesty and integrity. I echo Ms. Jensen in her regret that government is necessary here but am confident that the tenant-friendly housing providers will understand the need and potential benefits of this ordinance.
As the link at the beginning of this post reminds, the ordinance will see its next attention at the Housing Committee meeting on Nov. 7. I strongly encourage students and my colleagues on the Common Council to join in our discussion next Wednesday evening.
