I would like to suggest a community meeting for all Island County. One side of the auditorium would be occupied by all lessors with a property for rent, howbeit an apartment, house or manufactured home. The opposite side of the auditorium would be occupied with all those looking for an adequate place to live with their family or friends or significant other.

With His Honor the Mayor of the largest city on the Island serving as a moderator, each lessor would be given an opportunity to approach a microphone set at the front of the auditorium. They would then describe his/her property, state the terms and then explain to the potential renters why, for example, it will take $3,000 (first, last, deposit) in advance for someone to proudly occupy their property. Each lessor in turn would do the same with figures ranging anywhere from $1,500 to $4,500 to move in. I believe their reasoning would be quite entertaining.

I find it a bit ironic that these kinds of numbers, which reflect the situation in all of Island County, are in the paper week after week given the fact our beautiful Island, where many new folks would love to live, has an alarming growth in the unemployment rate. Moreover, many with jobs are unable to afford better accommodations for their loved ones for lack of enough “move in” resources or rent with what their jobs pay. The subject of trying to purchase a home will not be discussed at the time.

What intelligent, articulate presentations would we receive from any number of lessors in attendance?

Michael L. Bayliss

Freeland