Leslie McEvoy: Ask candidates running for NH Legislature about housing

To The Daily Sun, 

It seems the lack of affordable housing, not just for first-time home buyers, but for many people trying to downsize, has become an unrealistic dream.

Working families can barely afford their rents, childcare, and other expenses. People on lower income ― single renters, folks who have lower-paying jobs, seniors on social security, someone who has lost a spouse ― can’t afford it on their own.

How can we get our state legislators to vote for and pass laws that will help New Hampshire and the Lakes Region build more affordable housing for everyone so that we can continue to attract working people to our area?

New Hampshire has an Affordable Housing Fund that is used to encourage developers to build more affordable housing. Unfortunately, our state has not been very consistent in appropriating money to this fund.

Due to high construction costs, our state government does need to offer incentives; otherwise the exact kinds of housing we need the most will not be built. This will continue to put a strain on our communities, homelessness will continue to get worse, and businesses will keep struggling to attract and retain workers.

As a concerned citizen, I encourage people to ask candidates running for the New Hampshire Legislature about housing ― in the Lakes Region and in New Hampshire. We need candidates who are forward-thinking and will take bold action to address our housing crisis.

Leslie McEvoy

Laconia