Code enforcement, in their

eyes, is just a bad dream. Crime (as petty as it may be) becomes an issue

with the excuse of supplementing the lack of income. Out-of-control teenagers

that do not or can not attend school because of their bad attitudes and

the fear of having them in the school population, with nothing to do and

nowhere to go and no one that cares. The destruction of the properties

in which they live almost free of charge. No regard of community, neighbors,

or the value of life and learning.

Now that all of that has been

said, you might ask, who is responsible? There is a simple answer. The

landlord to the property is.

What we have learned is that

the property owner should require a rental history, a credit check, a

criminal background check before leasing the home, whether it is Section

8 or not. They should monitor the property and their tenants on a regular

basis. Any complaints can be filed with the compliance officer for Section

8 by the homeowner with or without documentation. Whether or not the applicant

receives a voucher to lease that home or not totally depends on the homeowner.

Unfortunately, in the case

of Wynnmeade subdivision, we have to take it upon ourselves to do what

is necessary to bring that balance (that I spoke of earlier) to our community.

We have a vicious circle of people misusing the properties and enabled

money, never late and always on time. The impact to the community was

never questioned until now and it will continue to be.

Older communities with or without

an HOA have to be aware of what their rights are and what they do not

want their lives subjected to. If they aren't they may look up and

find an uncomfortable reality living right next door.

Everyone has a right to live

where they choose, but we have a right to question it if it brings disorder

to our home and community.

Merrilyn Arnold

Peachtree City, Ga.