Just Cause Eviction and Decision Making
Next Tuesday, when we vote on Town Meeting Day, we will have an opportunity to support some of our most afflicted in our community: renters vulnerable to unpredictable no cause evictions. This is Article II on the ballot, the Just Cause Eviction proposed charter change. This is an issue that has been advocated for on state and federal levels as well. I support this fully although I recognize that after some use and experience imperfections may be revealed. This is no different from charter change and if necessary can be rectified with an amending charter change the following year. In the meantime enactment of this legislation will relieve some of the debilitating stress that so many here in Brattleboro and thousands across the state must endure. Nothing is apparent in the proposed language that will have dire consequences for the landlords.
I am a candidate for the Selectboard. If elected I will, in response to some of the landlords most emphatic concerns, propose further action. I will propose first that the Town add an appropriate number of hours to the office currently doing rental inspections. This would enable the inspector to respond quickly to landlord complaints. Tenants could also make complaints against landlords.
