Public should be able to make decision on housing choice

My state senator is Jennifer Beck. She is a Republican. She has recently issued a "press release" that uses inflammatory language to express her party's opposition to a program that gives many New Jersey residents true housing choice. I disagree with a number of her comments and want to offer another point of view.

Sen. Beck has called on Gov. Jon Corzine to abandon his efforts to bring fairness to the state's housing opportunities, as mandated by state Supreme Court decisions and implemented by the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH). Last summer the state Legislature passed legislation (A-500/S-1783), which constitutes the first major reform of the Fair Housing Act since 1985.

Last fall, COAH released its final fair share calculations for 2000-18, which have been in the works since 1999 and had to be recalculated at the direction of the courts. COAH has called for a longoverdue increase in the number of affordable units in New Jersey and thereby an opportunity for many more residents to have a safe and healthy place to live. Sen. Beck wants to reverse this progress and cites "two decades of cooperation on housing issues" — two decades in which there was a growing need that remained unmet. The new rules will prevent obstructionist tactics and spur the creation of homes New Jersey needs.

Sen. Beck suggests that Gov. Corzine, in standing firm in support of this legislation and COAH's calculations, is "arguing for his right to destroy New Jersey's economy." This about a governor who has been taking the courageous (and unpopular) steps necessary to save this state from economic disaster. If anyone wants to see New Jersey financially strong, it is this governor. For reasons far beyond an upcoming gubernatorial election — issues of fairness to all residents — Gov. Corzine is to be commended for standing firm. And speaking of the upcoming election, it is unquestionably a reason for the Republican position. And it is an appeal to perceived self-interest at the expense of fairness and justice.

"Politics" is the way in which we decide major questions in our democratic society. While Sen. Beck and the N.J. Republican Party take their position against housing choice, I and others who want a state that's a good place to live for all of our residents, say that on this matter, you do not speak for us.
Linda Zucaro
Tinton Falls