Letters to the Editor

Cover, March 1: “When Landlords Make the Laws”

Mobile Home Act help

The Mobile Home Park Act was enacted to provide protection for park residents. Most residents aren’t aware of the act or the protections it offers. The act needs improvements!

Recently Senate Bill 298 was introduced in the NM Senate Health & Public Affairs Committee. It would strengthen protections for park residents including rent control and stronger enforcement provisions by the Attorney General’s office to include significant fines for violations of the MHPA committed by park owners and management.

Lobby groups representing property owners and real estate organizations spoke against the bill citing claims of rent control would inhibit their financial ability to make improvements, and fines would put issues into District Court. Fines should be levied if violations are committed. Why should park owners and management get a “get out of jail free” card if they commit violations of the MHPA?

The measure did not make it through committee. One member of the committee is also a rental property owner. There may be other rental property owners on the committee.

The Legislature’s failure to take action to protect New Mexico park residents against violations, illegal practices and unscrupulous rent increases, even though there is clear evidence of these acts, is a classic example of elected officials choosing lobbyists and their money over the needs of the people.

Gary Perry, Alamogordo

Food, March 1: “A Bug’s Life”

Hard agree

Travel Bug is the best! Even Spanish classes, a daily NYT is there; not to mention good coffee, wonderful owners and employees.

Dana Middleton, via Facebook