This January, state Rep. Charlene M. Lima, D-District 14, Cranston, introduced a measure that aims to help maintain “minimum standards” for the upkeep of foreclosed properties.
Her bill – “An Act Relating To Towns and Cities” (2008 H 7327A) – was approved last month by the General Assembly. But last week, it was vetoed by Gov. Donald L. Carcieri, along with 21 other measures. (READ MORE)
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On July 2 – the day after that veto – Lima took a few minutes to speak with Providence Business News about why her legislation is important.
PBN: What is your reaction to the governor’s veto of your bill?
LIMA: I’m very disappointed in the governor because I don’t think he has a grasp on the issue … It was the banks that actually caused the problem in the first place.
PBN: What would your legislation have accomplished?
LIMA: This legislation would have forced the banks to, very simply, post the bond [that would be used for maintenance if the property becomes unkept while they owned it] and if [they] don’t want to spend [losing the bond money, they] can keep the property up to code like regular homeowners.
PBN: Why is that important?
LIMA: You’re talking about charging the banks, which caused the problems, a fee of $50 to about $300. The consequences of not having this legislation are astronomical. It’s destroying peoples’ property values and neighborhoods and it’s bringing in crime.
PBN: Did you see enough support in the House that you think the veto might be overridden?
LIMA: Yes, I did. You took the words out of my mouth. I’m going to push to go back in to session to override. I think this bill is so important – to address a major national issue, to address it in Rhode Island. It’s trying to save neighborhoods and the values of peoples’ homes and not cave in to special interests, not cave in to the banks.
PBN: How did he “cave in?”
LIMA: The governor should be more worried about the homeowners in Rhode Island than he should about big business banks and big business.
Information about the R.I. General Assembly, including the House and Senate daily calendars and listings of measures introduced each day, is available atrilin.state.ri.us.
I can’t tell for sure from her brief comment, but it sounds like Rep. Lima has the same antibusiness attitude that keeps this state one of the worst ones in the nation in which to have a business. No business, no jobs, higher taxes for everyone. Duh!
However, lenders should be required to keep up properties foreclosed on, for the good of the neighborhood, and the former owners to perhaps get some of their equity back in a sale.
?Bill Welch.