CA: Let housing operate in a free market (Prop 1C)

Sacramento Bee ^ | October 3, 2006 | Bill Leonard

[calcowgirl]

Housing is too expensive in California, and there is a shortage of supply. Government is the cause of both problems. Proposition 1C would do nothing to remedy the obstacles to home construction that have caused the supply of houses to lag behind demand.

In the few places where new homes are allowed, state and local governments have placed tens of thousands of dollars in taxes, fees and environmental and other mandates on each new house. These costs are always passed along to home buyers.

Proposition 1C is a $2.85 billion general obligation bond with the goal of financing low-income housing and other programs, such as transit-oriented development. . . .

At best, this bond would provide shelter for a few thousand families, which is not even enough to house one month's average increase in California's population. Some lucky developers, builders and bureaucrats will make money from this bond and a few people will obtain government-sponsored housing, but the impact on California's market would be so minuscule that it would defy measurement.

Housing becomes affordable when the supply approaches the level of demand. Let the free market work.

(snip)

There are two other problems with Proposition 1C . . . The first is that the bond benefits are not limited to California residents. It is certain that illegal immigrants would be among the beneficiaries of the funds that flow from this bond. Is there any reason to have more subsidies and government benefits available to illegal immigrants, except to encourage more illegal immigration?

The second issue is that this bond seeks to make more housing available by trying to cure a problem that does not exist. These bond proceeds are to be added to the pool of capital for housing. But there is no shortage of capital in the housing market.

[traditional1]

If they would "house" all the Kalifornia illegals in Mexico, there'd be plenty of space for law-abiding American citizens.....

[calcowgirl]

And the roads would be better too!

[TommyDale]

"If they would "house" all the Kalifornia illegals in Mexico, there'd be plenty of space for law-abiding American citizens....."

Nah...the illegal invaders only occupy living quarters that Americans wouldn't live in.

[Brilliant]

"Government is the cause of both problems."



Can't believe that they actually have someone in CA who realizes this. Must be a carpet bagger.

[TommyDale]

The prices of homes in California are partly due to such regulations as protecting the Spotted Salamander, the Blue Heron, etc. and "bedroom taxes" disguised as "impact fees" which were implemented to circumvent Proposition 13 (passed in 1978 to limit taxes).

Anyway, the next really big earthquake should stabilize the prices.

[traditional1]

"Nah...the illegal invaders only occupy living quarters that Americans wouldn't live in."

I don't consider asking a "citizen" a question in English to be racial profiling, but then, that's just me.

If non-English speaking potential buyers or renters want to make an offer to buy or rent, I don't think asking for a birth certificate and social security number is asking too much (in English).

[SmithL]

Saying "Free Market" is considered Hate Speech in some areas of this Golden State.

[Jaysun]

I don't consider asking a "citizen" a question in English to be racial profiling, but then, that's just me.

If non-English speaking potential buyers or renters want to make an offer to buy or rent, I don't think asking for a birth certificate and social security number is asking too much (in English).

Bigot.

[calcowgirl]

Bill Leonard
Member, Board of Equalization, District 2

Bill Leonard served in the State Legislature for 24 years. He was first elected to the State Assembly in 1978 as a “Prop. 13 baby” because of his early work for the landmark property tax reform and decrease. In 1988 he was elected to an 11,000-square-mile-State Senate district, and in the Senate he was the longest serving Republican Caucus Chairman. In 1996 he returned to the State Assembly seeking the opportunity to serve in the majority. During all that time, he became well known as a fighter for low taxes, quality schools and a better business climate, but also for hosting weekly wallyball games in the state capital.

He became the Assembly Republican Leader for the 1998 cycle. When his stint as Leader was complete, Bill replaced the frustrating and exhausting party leadership role with the frustrating and exhausting sport of golf.

In 2002, he was elected to the State Board of Equalization, which functions as the nation's only elected tax commission. As a Board Member, he has advocated for taxpayer rights, sought consolidation of state tax agencies to increase efficiency, and worked for simplified tax policy and regulation.

http://www.billleonard.org/bio.php

[traditional1]

"Bigot."

Oh yeah, I guess that makes me a Bigot (and proud of it).

[traditional1]

Hey !

Sweet home Alabama !

GREAT looking little girl you have there (seen on your bio page).

[Redcloak]

My decision making process on propositions is really simple: If the word "Bond" appears in the text of the proposal, I vote NO. The only drawback I can see in this approach is that I might accidentally vote against making April 9th a State holiday.

[calcowgirl]

And April 9 would be what?

[Jaysun]

Hey !
Sweet home Alabama !

GREAT looking little girl you have there (seen on your bio page).

Thanks, bigot. ;o)

[Jaysun]

Hey I was kidding about the "bigot" thing, in case that wasn't clear.

[GeorgefromGeorgia]

It has also been shown that restrictive zoning laws cause housing to be more expensive, generally harming the poor. Houston is one city with no zoning laws and its housing costs are incredibly low. Zoning is not necessarily bad, but when you go to the extremes of places like Portland, it has a tremendous impact. When I lived in Maryland, the local county passed two ordnances that required 10 acres for a home and raised the impact fees to $20K, existing home prices boomed, since development practically stopped. I benefited as I sold my home. Good bye Peoples Republic of MD.

[Redcloak]

Ward Bond's birthday, of course.

[calcowgirl]

[slaps forehead ] I should have known that!

He has the same birthday as Archie Roosevelt!

[I_Love_My_Husband]

Low income goodies in Ca only means goodies to illegals.