Setting the Record Straight on Mobile Home Rent Control

For the record. On mobile home rent control, I fully support:

1st step--A Mediation Program.

2nd step--Binding Arbitration (by a retired judge). Also, subsidy programs for our seniors on fixed incomes and very-low-income families.

Pomona currently has 19 mobile home parks, many of which were built in the 1930s and include travel trailers! Is it fair to put a 10% rent control cap and allow the owners of travel trailer parks to raise rents 10%?

Each park needs to be handled on a case-by-case basis because each park has different amenities. Presently, we only have a mediation program with no teeth. Binding arbitration would remove any greed on both sides and would encourage long term leases for those that wish them.

Persons now on long-term leases will not be helped by rent control, because the city of Pomona, being a third party, cannot break their contract! Subsidy programs can help these people.

DONNA SMITH

Mayor, Pomona