HomeMy WebLinkAboutA038 - Email from Robert Howell dated August 3, 2018 (107 South Riverside) rental cap exceptions and hardships - mayor veto rumor?
Robert Howell to: John Haila 08/03/2018 07:13 AM
Cc: amescitycouncil
Dear Mayor John-
Good morning. Hope you've had a great week.
I wanted to send a quick note regarding the rental cap exceptions and hardships.
First, congratulations to you and the council for the hard work on getting both the rental cap and
exceptions passed. It wasn't easy but I believe you've reached a fair ordinance for all citizens of
Ames.
Second, I wanted to follow-up on a rumor that I heard about the possibility that you were
planning to veto the exceptions and hardships. I heard this last night and wanted to encourage
you not to veto the months of hard work by the council, city staff, and others. By the way, let me
know if a veto is in fact not in consideration and I'll help to dismiss the rumor.
There are two reasons I'd like to discourage a veto action:
#1 -personally for our family we need a path to an exception or hardship. We haven't been able
to sell our house to an owner-occupied buyer since it's been on the market the last 4 months. If
we don't have a path hardship exception, then the result will be financially devastating to our
family. I'm sure you don't want this result for anyone, regardless of which side you're on.
#2 - I think a veto would undermine the integrity of the process with the citizens, council, city
staff, and others involved. Everyone has worked very hard to get to a fair and balanced
ordinance. A veto may be considered a win to a small group of people, but for those closest to
you on the council, city staff, and others it will be very damaging to morale.
Thank you for your consideration and response.
Robert Howell
107 S Riverside Dr, Ames
cell - 864-293-2798