This week’s question is, “What do you think about taxpayer-subsidized housing, such as the new Valley River Apartments complex behind the Walmart supercenter in Murphy?”
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“In general, I don’t believe taxpayer money should be used toward any housing. However, I can understand why it could be important for people in this area, particularly because there are very few rental places available. The question is whether it should be taxpayer-funded.
“If already, the price of that house is reduced to the point where it’s less expensive to stay there than to rent a two- or three-bedroom house somewhere else, then the economy is already built into the price of the structure. I don’t know if taxpayers need to be contributing to that as well.”
Steven Inglima, Murphy
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“It’s a catch-22 for me because there are so many low-income families and those who just don’t make enough money. They need a little help because not everybody makes $100,000 a year, and at the same time it’s income-based so it’s accommodating.
“Think about the single parent who needs a roof; $20 an hour isn’t bad wages, but who can afford to feed their children on $20 an hour? They need a little help somewhere.”
Shiela Hudson, Murphy
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“For people and families who need it, I agree with it, but I think there’s a lot of waste and fraud. I don’t mind a hand-up, but not a handout.”
Rod Meintel, Ranger
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“I’m all in favor of helping people get a leg up, and if our tax dollars help that then it’s a good thing. However, I don’t like people who know how to use the system and abuse the system.”
Janet Manson,Bellview
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“I’m very familiar with those apartments because I pick up food donations at Walmart twice a week and bring it to the food bank. I think those apartments are a really good idea and I have zero issues with them, no doubt.”
Ed Morrisroe
Murphy