DMHOA President's Page

November 2009 President's Message

The Holidays of the season include being thankful for our blessings and hope in what may come tomorrow. For those of us held hostage in manufactured housing on leased land, being thankful about our plight is difficult as community owners launch another round of increases not based on real need. What is in the future to restore hope?

　

We can be thankful for the results of the last election that gave us leadership in the Executive Branch of government and in the Halls of the Legislature. The evidence is in the passage of Bills favorable to us that passed and have been signed into law by the Governor.

　

In his appointments, Governor Jack Markell has selected leaders who are not satisfied with the status quo of the "old boy" network that failed to provide protection for those of us in need. An example is the new Secretary of DNREC Collin O’Mara, who during his appearance at the November 16^th DMHOA meeting, gave hope that his agency will enforce the regulations in their domain. O’Mara’s credentials are impeccable.

　

Another example of the outstanding leadership appointed to Delaware government is the Director fo the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) Anas Ben Addi. Like most state officials, his knowledge of the pitfalls of being trapped in manufactured housing on leased-land was limited.

During our meeting with him, he quickly recognized the value of the largest block of non-government subsidized affordable housing in Delaware. He understood the impact on his agency as financial evictions increased and if communities were converted to other uses.

　

We have much to be thankful for because of the representation we helped to elect to the House and Senate. The leadership of Representatives Valerie Longhurst, Pete Schwartzkopf, John Atkins, John Kowalko, Bill Carson; Senators George Bunting and Bruce Ennis are reasons to rejoice.

　

Many of our concerns were addressed in the last session of the Legislature. Some became law. Others were started and await the January session. Still others are being drafted adding to the hope we have for the future.

　

The December 21, 2009 DMHOA meeting will host a Holiday Celebration starting at 6 p.m. Details will be on the DMHOA.org website. Please join us.

Ed Speraw