Letter to the Editor: Are Commissioners Thinking About Practical Solutions for Kent County’s Needs?

Some residents of Kent County are wary of growth — concerned about losing the charm of our historic towns and rural landscapes. Others think we need to take steps to grow our population in order to expand our economy. These important concerns aren’t mutually exclusive — it doesn’t have to be one way or the other. It’s the role of the County Commissioners to seek out ways to accomplish both these goals.

I reviewed the websites of the six candidates for Kent County Commissioner and noticed that Sam Shoge recognizes both of these needs and offers practical ways to address them.

Mr. Shoge’s priorities include: strengthening schools and supporting families, protecting the most vulnerable in our community, growing our economy, and expanding housing opportunity. To me housing is a key element that needs to be addressed. For example, we can’t attract people, especially young families, to move here because there is simply little affordable housing. Then there are those who’ve grown up here but can’t afford to stay. In addition, during these difficult economic times there are growing numbers of individuals and families who are becoming unhoused for any number of reasons. And it’s not just the people we typically think of as homeless.

I saw that Mr. Shoge thinks Kent County needs more housing of all types, but doesn’t believe growth needs to come at the expense of the rural landscape and small-town character that makes Kent County so special.

On his website, www.electsamshoge.com , Mr. Shoge lists doable options.

Explore the creation of a Kent County Housing Authority to develop a strategy to address these needs, pursue funding options and work together by developing partnerships representing a broad range of stakeholders

• Support a range of housing types such as starter homes, workforce housing, senior housing, apartments, accessory dwelling units, etc.
• Encourage housing that fits Kent County’s character.
• Support policies that help seniors age safely in place and remain part of the communities they helped build.
• Use housing strategy as an economic development tool to retain workers, attract families and strengthen the county’s long-term tax base.

Clearly there are ways to address smart growth for our County while keeping long time residents happy. What we need is leaders who will think outside the box to find solutions that satisfy everyone.

Lolli Sherry