Two words: Election Year.
Julie, I completely agree that neither program will be a long term success. New industries with real jobs, on the other hand, will.
I do applaud Mr. Clark's efforts to work with homeowners in crisis. However, giving a complete pass simply because one owns and occupies a home is questionable if not discriminatory. What about the rights of the neighbors who continue to look at the dilapidated house across the street? What about the SMALL BUSINESS OWNER (politicians may use the phrase "speculative real estate investor") who is struggling and more importantly, the impact on his/her tenants?
In reality, this program will have a negligible effect compared to current practices. Do a little forensic accounting on the past dozen sheriff lists and count the number of NCC tax sales with owner occupants that sold, confirmed and did not get redeemed. They can be counted on one hand if not one finger. This is out of 300,000 or so NCC homes.
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