Letter To The Editor: Lisa Manzella Responds To Opponent's Mailer

This is a brief response/explanation of one of the most recent untrue “hit pieces” my opponent has mailed to the Shelby voters.  I wonder how much money he has spent on taking low political jabs at me, compared to telling the voters what he is all about?  It seems 100%/0% ratio, as he has nothing to run on. 

The rental inspection, as well as the foreclosure plan is to mirror Chesterfield Township, Clinton Township, and Eastpointe ordinances.  The ordinance is meant to protect tenants and, most importantly, neighborhoods from blight.  

It’s simple, when a home goes into foreclosure, the lender is required to notify the municipality as to who is responsible for the upkeep, utilities kept on, grass cut and snow removal. The property is tagged, and can’t be occupied by a tenant or new homeowner unless up to current codes.  The purpose is to eliminate safety violations, and protect tenants, as well as landlords. 

Shelby is the best place in the tri-county area to attract slum-lords.  There is a charge, an inspection fee to cover the cost only.  My opponent has no experience with low-income or senior housing; they are all up to code, because they’re required to be.  This ordinance is meant for out of area landlords buying your neighbor’s house, tacking it together and renting it without pulling proper permits and never actually seeing the property.  It will assure working smoke alarms, handrails and other safety items. 

Until the real estate “crash” Shelby was about 95% owner-occupied single-family dwellings. Because of investors taking advantage of the low prices, the market reacted by attracting out-of-area buyers.  Let’s vote to preserve our neighborhoods and look out for tenants. After all we or our children were tenants at one time or another.  I’d like to see my opponent spend one night in a dwelling without a sink, toilet, hot water tank and furnace, and 6 inches of weeds or snow, maybe he will be able to comprehend the principle and what tenants and neighbors deal with.

Sincerely, 

Lisa Manzella, Shelby Township Trustee, Candidate for Treasurer