Press Releases

Candidates in Morris County Share Views on Affordable Housing Issue

October 30, 2007 – Morris County, NJ – The Housing Alliance, a community collaboration program of United Way, encourages voters in this year's election to be aware of the political candidates' perspectives on the issue of affordable housing.

Statistics related to affordable housing in Morris County are staggering.  Forty-two percent of all renters in Morris County spend more on housing than is considered affordable.  Affordable housing loosely translates to spending no more than a third of one's income on housing.  The median home prices exceeds a half million dollars.   With that being said, this year's political candidates for elected office in Morris County are showing a greater awareness of affordable housing needs. 

The Housing Alliance reached out to all of the political candidates running for seats on the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and for New Jersey Assembly and Senate in four legislative districts wholly or partly in Morris County.  The intent was to obtain their perspective on affordable housing issues.  Approximately half of the candidates replied to the questionnaire.

Click here for the full responses by the candidates to the questionnaire.  The Housing Alliance encourages voters to visit the site and become familiar with each candidate's perspective.

"The candidates' thoughtful responses to our questionnaire demonstrate that the need for affordable housing is on everyone's mind. That is the first step in developing the dialogue to find workable solutions in solving the problem," commented Blair Schleicher-Wilson, Executive Director of Morris Habitat for Humanity, who is also the outgoing Co-Chair of the Housing Alliance. 

The questionnaires asked each candidate if there is an affordable housing crisis in Morris County.  Beyond that, the questionnaires differed for the county and state races.  Freeholder candidates were asked for a position statement, to describe the role of the county, and whether they would support the creation of a county housing trust fund (an increasingly popular tool around the country).  Candidates for state office weighed in on how to fund/achieve Governor Corzine's stated goal of 100,000 affordable units in 10 years, whether or not to abolish Regional Contribution Agreements (RCAs), and abolishing prevailing wage requirements for developing affordable housing projects.

Michelle Roers DiNapoli, the Director of Community Impact at United Way and co-chair of the Housing Alliance notes that "the lack of affordable housing affects our entire community.  It is not just an issue that affects the poor, but mostly affects the working class.  Lack of affordable housing in Morris County places unnecessary strain on transportation and infrastructure, quality of life, and even employment." 

"The candidates' answers highlight the varied ways we all view affordable housing," noted incoming Housing Alliance Co-Chair Melody Federico, Director of Housing Development at NewBridge Services, Inc.  "What is clear is that the candidates recognize the high cost of real estate and its impact on the community."

"Affordable housing is an important matter for folks living and working in Morris County.  It's absolutely critical that public, private and non-profit entities work together to find workable solutions to this ever-growing crisis," said DiNapoli. 

About United Way of Morris County
United Way of Morris County is dedicated to helping people and improving the quality of life for all residents. We address issues most critical to the future of Morris County by bringing attention, expertise, and resources to them. For more information, visit us on the web at www.uwmorris.org, or call 973.993.1160.

Contact
Michelle Roers DiNapoli
Manager Community Impact
United Way of Morris County
973.993.1160, x116
Email