Commentary
By Gary Kopycinski
It’s not you, really.
A resident asked me this week why he had to register with the Park Forest Crime Free Housing program if he was allowing his his son to live in a home he owns in Park Forest. He’s helping out his son during these tough economic times. Why should he be considered a landlord?
I know the man and his family. They are all wonderful people who have contributed a lot to Park Forest through the years.
Unfortunately, however, laws are written because some people are not wonderful people.
It’s a sad fact of life. Yes, I have listened to the cries of the Libertarians who want to see less government regulation, or no government regulation. Can’t happen. Won’t happen. And here’s why.
We live with people.
Many people, with many, many different views of how the world works.
Through the years, some parents, well, many parents, have allowed their children to live in homes alone, and many of these presumably adult children, have become a nuisance for our residents and police. Because of the sins if the few, we all must suffer.
No, that’s not right, but that’s what we have to live with.
So, now, if you allow your children to live in home you own in Park Forest, you are a landlord. If you are a senior, yes, you may lose your senior exemption if you qualify. No, it’s not fair, but, in an equitable society, that’s the best we can do.
Because of the sins of a few, we must all pay.
Catholic theology speaks of the "rippling effects" of sin.
Call it sin. Call it irresponsibility. Call it whatever you wish.
Because of the actions of the few, we all must pay.
Gary Kopycinski is editor and publisher of eNew Park Forest and a Village Trustee as well.
