Paul Sanford Blasts Housing Authority’s Actions on Chaffee Apartments; Vows to Impose Legislative Restrictions
04/07/2009

Republican Senate candidate Paul Sanford today launched criticism at the Huntsville Housing Authority for the recent purchase of an apartment complex in the Chaffee area to be turned into public housing. He further stated he plans to introduce legislation to restrict such Housing Authority actions in the future.

The Chaffee Civic Association held a public forum last night to allow citizens to share their views about the public housing issue to Mayor Tommy Battle and Huntsville Civic Association CEO Michael Lundy. Mr. Sanford attended the meeting and listened to Chaffee neighborhood residents express their concerns over the HHA’s plans.

"Michael Lundy refused to answer direct questions from concerned citizens and implied the Housing Authority has no obligation to inform them of its decisions. When elected to the state senate, I will file legislation to limit the scope and authority of the Housing Authority to prevent future unchecked land grabs," Mr. Sanford said. "It’s time citizens have the final authority to accept or reject plans for their own neighborhoods," he stated.

At one point in the discussion last night, Mayor Battle became testy with a citizen who complained the Housing Authority had overstepped its bounds. "The Mayor’s arrogance was inappropriate and insulting, and he should apologize," Mr. Sanford said. "People are justifiably angry that the city is forcing low-income residents into their neighborhoods," he added.

Mr. Sanford has made accountability and transparency in government the central theme in his campaign for the Alabama Senate in District 7. He said the Housing Authority’s actions in Chaffee underscore the need for immediate legislative action.

Paul Sanford is a candidate in the Republican runoff election slated for April 21st. He and his wife Danielle own and operate “little Paul’s Barbecue” in Huntsville. They have two children, Chase and Ryan.