Brandau’s out of step on slumlords

As a concerned citizen in Fresno City Councilmember Steve Brandau’s district, I’m saddened by his comments regarding the proposed interior-inspection program, as they don’t represent the voices of our district.

I am a long-time citizen of Fresno. However, when I lived briefly in Los Angeles, I benefited from their successful baseline interior-inspection program as my landlord was forced to install a missing carbon-monoxide detector. Why is it unreasonable for Fresno to implement a similar program?

For years, City Hall has allowed slumlords to make money by dodging their responsibilities. Slumlords should be ashamed; and some should be in jail for breaking the law.

An interior inspection program wouldn’t be unfair for the many responsible landlords. Other businesses such as restaurants must pay for a business permit and hundreds of dollars a year for an inspection in order to conduct business. Landlords are business owners, too. How would it be unfair to landlords?

The Mayor-Council Task Force was created in October 2014. Since then, there has been thorough research, canvassing and even national experts involved. How many more of our children and families have to “live in misery” before City Council sees that an interior-inspection program is needed now?

This story was originally published August 24, 2016 at 2:16 PM with the headline "Brandau’s out of step on slumlords."