Semantics. It used to be called “low-rent,” then “low-cost,” then “affordable” and now “attainable” housing. They mean pretty much the same thing.
Hats off to Ashleigh Tarkington and Katie Sickles for pursuing lower-priced housing in Bayfield (May 17, “Bayfield acts to address housing costs”). Andrew Gulliford has a splendid idea in turning the old high school into affordable apartments (May 15, “Turn old high school into teacher housing”).
I grew up in the unattractive ranch and oil field land of West Texas. The little town of Rankin where I went to school provided “teacherages” as perks to attract teachers to an otherwise undesirable place to live. There were two large duplexes and four single-family homes to be rented by school administrators or teachers. And don’t tell me that “government” shouldn't be involved. We need to take care of our neighbors.
Even though I moved to Kerrville, Texas, two years ago to be near family, I spent 43 years in Durango and consider it my home. I still care about what happens in my hometown. I get back to visit my friends whenever I can. See you this summer, Durango.
Larry Eugene Whiteside
Kerrville, Texas
