John Faso for Governor of New York

Half Sigma endorses John Faso, the Republican candidate, for Governor of New York.

The most important issue facing middle class residents of New York is the unaffordability of housing. With this in mind, I read what both candidates have to say on housing. I learned that Elliot Spitzer, the Democratic candidate, just doesn't get it, and his policies will cause the price of housing to increase rather than go down.

Elliot Spitzer's website says that housing is too expensive because, even though NY is one of the most heavily taxed states, state government still isn't spending enough money on housing:

The State's investment in housing, adjusted for inflation, has declined by 15% during the last decade. Moreover, state-assisted public housing has been operating at a deficit due partly to the elimination of state operating subsidies in 1998.

Elliot Spitzer's website also includes a defense of rent control:

To stop the loss of affordable homes that already exist, we will address several issues, including lax enforcement of the housing maintenance code and the state's rent laws and the number of units facing expiring government subsidies or restrictions. Only by doing so, can we preserve the fabric of many of our communities.

Elliot Spitzer seems to believe that affordable housing comes from government regulation when, in fact, just the opposite is true, regulation drives up the costs of housing.

In contrast, John Faso's housing position paper doesn't endorse government spending and regulation as the way to make housing affordable.

Faso says that "New York must lower the cost of building houses," and he has some specific proposals including reforming the "Scaffolding Law" which he says adds $6,000 to $10,000 to the cost of a new house.

Faso also proposes consolidating the state housing agencies in order to reduce time consuming and expensive administrative overhead that builders face:

Currently, developers must go to two places, fill out two applications, and manage two timeframes before they can be approved to build. This system is grossly inefficient and a waste of limited resources. The Faso Plan will consolidate the Division of Housing and Community Renewal with the Housing Finance Agency, as they have been in the past.

Faso's housing plan isn't perfect. There are two facets to the high cost of housing in New York City. One is the regulations which drive up costs. The other is zoning which prevents housing from being built in the densities required by the large population in need of housing.

Spitzer's plan does mention zoning, but only as a means to use taxpayer money to build more public housing. Spitzer obviously does not believe in turning the free market loose to build more housing.

Faso's plan is flawed because it doesn't talk about zoning reform, but unlike Spitzer's anti-free market plan, Faso's plan is a step in the right direction.

* * *

The latest poll shows Spitzer leading 77% to 22%. Why even bother to vote? No matter how much Spitzer disgusts me, I don't see the point of wasting time going to the polling place.

Comments

[Austrian]

Spitzer is shameless - how would he know how expensive housing is, when his daddy pays for his rent?

http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/466302p-392369c.html

Another limousine liberal, mighty defender of the poor!

[David Alexander]

I'll take my chances with Spitzer than a loser from upstate.

Besides, I'd prefer to see the projects privatized to non-profit groups, and the bulk of government assisstance for housing come in Section 8 style checks. It gets the government out of having to maintain the apartments, and in turn, it keeps the element of social support.

As for zoning, you have three opponents. Those who like zoning to inflate their price of their real estate. Those who like zoning because of their fears that high density brings only "those" people, and lastly, those who like zoning as a tool to enforce environmental protection.

[Jody]

Why vote? To limit Spitzer's mandate.

[SFG]

I don't know. You live in the city. Usually Republicans support upstate and Democrats support the city, because that's where their votes are from.

[SFG]

"There are two facets to the high cost of housing in New York City. One is the regulations which drive up costs. The other is zoning which prevents housing from being built in the densities required by the large population in need of housing."
True, though I think if all of Manhattan looked like Midtown you'd be very upset. I suppose you could fill the Upper West Side with 60-floor skyscrapers full of housing but I'm not sure who the constituency would be.

The real problem is that too many people want to live in New York, and the rich can outbid everyone for the few spots.

"Spitzer's plan does mention zoning, but only as a means to use taxpayer money to build more public housing. Spitzer obviously does not believe in turning the free market loose to build more housing. "
It'll all go to the rich for obvious reasons--the developer can make more money back.

[anothercommenter]

Why vote?

The big question on my mind is whether to vote for Faso on the Conservative line or the Republican line. The Conservative party is in real danger of losing their ballot line for the next four years. They have to get at least 5% of the vote in the Governor's race to remain on the ballot. My thinking is: do I want the Conservative party to lose their ballot line? If it happens, then they couldn't run spoilers anymore. But it also limits choice for New Yorkers.

Spitzer also came out and said that he would give driver's licenses to illegal aliens. My motivation Tuesday is to vote against him for that position stance.

Local races are also important. I am supporting Lanza in Staten Island and Pidot in Manhattan for NY State Senate. If the Democrats sweep both the Assembly and the Senate, there will be no checks on New York State's spending.

The real pity about this election is the token opposition politicians from New York City face. Anti-war candidates lost their primary races by large amounts. And the Republicans don't have solid candidates for most races.