Habitat Lake-Sumter’s primary focus is to provide affordable housing resources to our community. While we do everything we can to make sure those resources are accessible, we understand that this issue extends beyond us. Our elected officials play a key role in promoting and protecting policies that help provide access to affordable housing resources.
With election season underway, we asked each state-level candidate how they plan to address the affordable housing crisis. Their responses highlight their commitment and strategies for tackling this critical issue.
As you prepare to vote, we encourage you to review their answers and consider how their plans align with your vision for a more equitable and accessible housing future.
*The information provided below represents the views and opinions of the respective candidates listed, and do not represent the views or opinions of Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter. For more information on Habitat Lake-Sumter’s affordable housing policy priorities, please consult our state legislative priorities brief here, or contact us at info@habitatls.org.
Senate
District 13
I strongly believe that one should be able to work where they live and live where they work, a balance between high-wage job opportunity and affordable housing is how that is achieved.
Many can qualify to buy a home right now but then can’t afford homeowners insurance so addressing that crisis is paramount.
Second, is knowing that the Feds regulate the market rates so since that is out of our control, the next best thing we can provide is a proper amount of inventory for our growing community.
Third, is the growth of organizations like Habitat for Humanity that help individuals achieve homeownership in spite of their circumstances. Homeownership is the cornerstone to the American Dream, and one that many could never realize without a guiding hand in the right direction, and I believe that guiding hand needs to come from the community itself!
District 11
House of Representatives
District 25
Affordable housing is important because, people need stability to be able to function ,to learn, and contribute to society.
I plan to assemble with other legislators to find solutions to offering fair and affordable mortgage rates, fair home Insurance rates, and fair auto insurance rates. These things should all be addressed in order to achieve true fair housing.
District 26
Jacquelin “Jackie” Dee Arndt (D)
While our population is growing, development is out of control and housing is increasingly unaffordable. Affordable housing should be available for everyone.
I believe this housing crises can be addressed by the many levels of government. It will require banks and landlords to see more than dollar signs when it comes to housing and treat all homeowners equally with fair rates. Rental Co-Ops and grants for first-time homeowners are some ideas I have. However, I really believe that enacting smart growth, smart towns, can assist in controlling the prices. In addition, counties and cities need to look at the planning and location of new homes and work with developers and builders to plan housing that citizens can afford.
The availability of housing that is affordable is important because homeownership is part of the American Dream. People need to be able to live where they work and raise their families in communities they feel a part of.
Housing prices have already begun to fall in certain parts of Florida and I think they will continue to stabilize. It’s a supply and demand issue. We should give the free market the ability to work it out. The less government interference the better.
District 27
District 52
Having suitable housing leads to the person becoming a productive citizen. Lack of housing only leads to despair and disfunction in one’s life.
If elected as State Representative, I will work to increase funding for Affordable Housing in the Sadowski Fund.
I would like to see the whole $6 Billon returned to Sadowski Fund for the future of Florida residents.
