09/21/2005: "Service Follows Affluence"

Gordy Petersen's indictments of "affordable housing" and those that support the nonsensical concept that county actions can actually lower housing costs were right on. While the net cost to a buyer might be reduced because of waived code compliance or permit fees or special financing arrangements, the overall costs (which include the time and effort of the officials engaging in this boondoggle) are higher – and ultimately reflected in the real marketplace.

This notion of government fiat to obtain relatively "more affordable housing" has been around for many years. Supporters of this notion are challenged to site where it has actually been accomplished.

Another challenge for these no-nothings is to site an example in which ever increasing affluence (including higher housing costs) has ever resulted in diminished levels of service. Service providers may end up not being able to afford to live in the community in which they provide services, and the cost of such service might increase; but the historical record is that levels of service consistently track levels of affluence.

Albert B. Hall
Friday Harbor