Ich bin ein Renter by Iskra Johnson and Trying Time by Matthew Johnson
Ich bin ein Renter
Dear Real Change,
I was quoted in the article “Ballard Questions Tax Break for Developers” [Sept. 19] and described as a Lock Vista resident. I am a homeowner and do not live in the building. However, I see the Lock Vista condo conversion as emblematic of the housing crisis in Seattle, and support the residents who have organized to stop the conversion. I have been watching with great concern the wave of hyper-development and gentrification as it moves through Ballard and other formerly middle and working class neighborhoods in the city, decimating affordable housing. Most of us are renters at some point in our lives, usually in youth and in old age, but also at transitional stages, between careers, after divorce, or when involved in entrepreneurial or creative endeavors that require low overhead and flexibility. An affordable rental stock is essential if we are to have a diverse population with a range of ages, incomes, and occupations.
Iskra Johnson | Seattle
Trying Time
Dear Real Change,
I just wanted to say that I absolutely loved the piece entitled “Reason to Believe” in the latest issue [Sept. 12]. As an activist, journalist and intellectual, it gave me a reason to believe. Even if this world is close to its end, there’s something about the now that’s still important. We can form relationships that last lifetimes, put smiles on people’s faces, and achieve progress we could only see in our wildest dreams. There’s no excuse for not trying.
Matthew Johnson | Washington, D.C.