HOUSING: Serious problem calls for serious problem-solvers

Normal refers to a stability in prices and sales. The “inflated” price for housing in Coeur d’Alene is $521,000, this cannot be considered acceptable. Who can afford to rent or buy a home? Rents are affordable when they don’t exceed 30% of household income. Idaho renters must earn $17.36 per hour to afford a modest two-bedroom home at the fair market rent of $903. The average Idaho renter earns $13.20 — meaning most renters are paying unaffordable rent. If the sales price is $521,000 who can afford the monthly mortgage payment on a 30-year loan? One official stated, “The city must realize it has lost the battle for affordable housing.” This isn’t normal and the battle can’t be lost.

Candidates seeking public office generally claim to have the solutions. The problem is that people not in public office tend to fail to understand the actual limits on power. Solutions require working with others and being a leader to the constituents. An elected official who only does what he/she believes the constituents expect, is a failed leader.

We have a serious housing problem. Wealthy people can afford a house or to pay rent. The solution is not that the current state is ‘normal’ nor that the battle for affordable housing is lost. We all need to get together with professionals and develop solutions. That’s the purpose of our Democratic government. If you don’t agree, then leave office. Leave solutions to those who actually want to try to solve problems.

PHIL WARD, AICP

Coeur d’Alene