Crowded housing issue worth pursuing
August 11, 2008

Igive credit to Middletown Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger and the Township Council for their attempt to rein in overcrowded rental units. ("Plan: Punish illegal immigrants' landlords," July 8.) Their motives, whether to curb the overcrowded units, the cost of mandated services for illegal immigrants or illegal immigration within their community, does not matter to me one iota.

What does matter to me is that I see a politician dealing with this issue. It does little to say that a law is on the books, or another agency should deal with this, if it is not occurring. ("Don't blur responsibilities," editorial, July 14.)

Asking for documentation and copying such does not place an undue burden on the landlord. This simple act may nip the problem in the bud and deter illegal immigrants from settling in Middletown.

The only way to deal with these issues may be on the local level when state and federal governments are remiss in their duties. I hope Middletown officials craft this ordinance in a manner that it withstands judicial scrutiny, and that other towns follow suit.

Tom Anderson

ENGLISHTOWN, NJ
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