OK, let’s be realistic. The few rich TVR owners are not the ones being hurt most by this county’s ill-thought-out plan of shutting down these vacation and short-term rentals. This demographic group has the financial stamina to survive.
The seriousness of this widespread economic impact is felt by the real citizens in its path. Low-income families, senior citizens, single women heads of household are among large numbers being financially demolished — the same people that our society and county notably recognize as being the very cross section of our community that needs support most. The small TVR/ B&B industry fed financial resources into those households.
The county promoted tourism — including vacation rentals outside the main tourist zones — for years. Businesses developed providing jobs. People returned to our small towns. And yes, affordable housing has been a result. To believe the county’s economic “crackdown” on this industry has not rippled through our economy is crazy. It has trampled through it like a bull in a china closet. The county needs to take the blinders off. Jobs do equal affordable housing.
If you lose your job along with the industry that supported it, how can you meet even the barest of financial needs, like your rent or electric bill? Many are facing just this scenario right now, myself included. Please, let’s get realistic and proactive on solutions for ending this forced closure now.
Susan McBride
Paia
