 | Public Housing Authorities Directors Association
511 Capitol Court, NE, Washington, DC 20002
phone: 202-546-5445 fax: 202-546-2280 www.phada.org |
December 20, 1999
Honorable Andrew Cuomo
Secretary
U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development
451 7 Street, S.W.
Room 10000
Washington, DC 20410
Dear Mr. Secretary:
I am writing on behalf of PHADA's 1,710 members regarding the Clinton administration's possible lawsuit against gun manufacturers. PHADA's members are somewhat confused about this matter and have several concerns related to the potential litigation. We would appreciate some clarification from the Department.
First, there has been no consultation with the public housing industry about the lawsuit. That is why our members are so confused, concerned, and in the case of some, even resentful; all they know about the issue is what they read in the newspapers, hear on radio reports, and see on television.
There have been some recent reports that the administration may bring the suit on behalf of the nation's 3,000-plus housing authorities (HAs). If these reports are accurate, then PHADA strongly believes the affected parties should have been consulted first since HUD cannot presume to speak for 3,000 independent entities governed by locally-appointed boards of commissioners, who are responsible for policy decisions.
Other reports indicate the suit might be brought by just a few individual housing agencies in close collaboration with HUD. Obviously, it is the prerogative of individual HAs to sue if they so desire. Still, those same reports and HUD's own statements create the impression that there is broad support for this legal action when there is no consensus industry position on this issue.
Second, PHADA's members are dismayed that the administration's highly-publicized focus on the lawsuit has had a negative impact (albeit unintentional) on public housing's image. This is unfortunate given all of your good efforts the past three years to alter misperceptions about the program. Still, many media reports — and some of the administration's own issuances and public statements — paint unflattering and unfair characterizations of public housing. The perception is that gun violence is pervasive in public housing, when this clearly is not the case in most communities.
We also feel that, to the extent that crime and guns are a problem, they should be addressed throughout cities, not just in public housing. It was this larger community focus we found more acceptable regarding the recent HUD gun buyback initiative. Still, we would have welcomed an opportunity to provide advanced comment.
Lastly, PHADA's membership is concerned that this is a politically-charged and highly controversial matter in which most housing authorities do not desire involvement. Again, gun violence is not an overriding concern in most the of the country's public housing agencies. In addition, housing professionals face enough challenges simply operating their properties and serving residents without getting involved in matters such as this one.
In light of the foregoing, PHADA respectfully requests HUD to clarify its intent regarding the possible litigation. If the Department plans to bring the suit on behalf of the nation's HAs — or in any way intends to cite all housing agencies in the lawsuit — we urge you to first consult with the industry before moving forward.
Thank you for your consideration of PHADA's views. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this matter further.
Sincerely,
James R. Tabron
President
CC: Hon. Harold Lucas, Assistant Secretary
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