Mayor Jim Ireton’s plans for rent stabilization ran into stiff resistance last night as municipal elections loom next month that could dramatically change the composition of the Salisbury City Council.
The council chamber was packed with landlords who spoke out – sometimes fiercely – against the proposal that would tie rents to assessed-property value for certain homes.
But it was council member Jack Heath who got the attention of the Mayor.
"Lobbying hand grenades is not the way to solve the problem. And I think this is the lob of a hand grenade. And personally, I think we would be better off if we chose a strategy that would involve the people who are involved in the process."
The Mayor said he got the message but would speak out.
"We have to talk about this...I will take Mr. Heath's, the tone of his voice, as let's try not to do this again, and we won't, I will not stop talking about it, ever. As long as I am still here."
A presentation on Ireton’s behalf found that while rents have continued to rise income has not kept up – especially in the wake of the Great Recession.
The council tabled the proposal and put it into the pending file.
Mayor Ireton is not seek re-election but rather a seat on the city council in District 4.
Council member Jack Heath who was appointed to the council after Terry Cohen's sudden departure is running for his first election in District 3.
