This space is dedicated to the proposition that we need to know the history of the struggles on the left and of earlier progressive movements here and world-wide. If we can learn from the mistakes made in the past (as well as what went right) we can move forward in the future to create a more just and equitable society. We will be reviewing books, CDs, and movies we believe everyone needs to read, hear and look at as well as making commentary from time to time. Greg Green, site manager
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
From Socialist Alternative- THIS is the unaffordable housing crisis
“We all talk about the roaches. They were constant… As soon as we were comfortable they came out of the shower, the windows, [and from] under the sink.” - Delia Simpson, one of Stephen Frenz's former tenants
This is the reality for hundreds of renters in Minneapolis slumlord Stephen Frenz’s properties. This is the unaffordable housing crisis in Minneapolis.
This week, protests have been organized by InquilinXs UnidXs por Justicia against arch-slumlord Stephen Frenz and the out-of-control gentrification by big developers that’s driving primarily people of color, single families, and working people out of Minneapolis. The week of action will culminate in a Rally for Rent Control at Minneapolis City Hall, this Friday at 2PM.
Slumlord Frenz epitomizes everything wrong with the for-profit housing market, where developers like Frenz maximize profits off the poorest and most vulnerable communities. While Frenz and his partner in crimes, Slumlord Spiros Zorbalas, represent the extreme, their pursuit of profit at all costs is the vicious norm for big developers seeking to transform Minneapolis into a playground for the wealthiest 1%.
Unfortunately, the political establishment, freely accepting campaign donations from big developers and big landlords, cannot be relied on to represent the interests of renters and working people. With a record $1.5 million flowing into the mayor’s race, this is already the most expensive election in Minneapolis history.
We need a new kind of politics - one that openly and unabashedly represents renters, working- and middle-class homeowners, and working people. That’s why we need representatives like Ginger Jentzen who are not for sale to the highest corporate bidder.
City Council’s proposal for a 5 year ban on Slumlord Frenz owning rental property is completely inadequate. Frenz should be banned for life for owning rental property. Further, we need a Slumlord Frenz law that protects renters from rapacious landlords. We need a Renters’ Bill of Rights, and we need rent control to prevent big landlords from jacking up rents to suit their profits.
But to win these reforms, we need to build a movement, like with the fight for $15. And we need a new left political force, fully independent of corporate cash and the political establishment.
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