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To the Editor:

A recent op-ed regarding the housing crisis was absolutely right and absolutely wrong. There is definitely deep frustration regarding the cost of real estate. The writer was correct about an existing right to having adequate shelter. But there is no prerogative that allows you to insist upon where you live.

It was my immense good fortune to grow up in West Hartford during the 50s, 60s, and 70s. The experiences and memories shaped my character and values, for better or worse. Nothing makes me prouder than my Sedgwick Junior High School friendships that flourish to this day. The town continues to be one of my favorite destinations.

House hunting during the 1980s real estate bubble was not for the faint of heart. Naturally my dream was to live where I grew up.  However, having just started a career with no appreciable savings made that impossible. The notion that the government had to force someone to sell me a house in my favorite neighborhood was ridiculous. Supply and demand was at work. Everyone understood that you purchased a home to fit your budget.

There is much lamenting about the American dream no longer existing. That is not accurate. It still exists but it was never easy. Too many people don’t want to do the heavy lifting so they distract from an issue with deceptive language. Unfortunately, these buzzwords have seeped into many housing discussions. A few examples are: affordability, equitable and opportunity hoarding. It is an attempt to accomplish a goal by appealing to emotions and not reality.

It is easy to sympathize with the frustration surrounding housing prices. They are exorbitant and there does not seem to be much relief on the horizon. Couple it with the every day cost of living and the widespread anger is understandable. However, an age old adage remains the same. You’re suppose to live within your means.

Fairness is a lovely concept, it just doesn’t apply to economics. West Hartford is one of my favorite places in the whole world. It is among the nation’s most esteemed communities. That is a result of the town’s effective stewardship and its ability to resist succumbing to feel good political winds. West Hartford should not take the political real estate bait and endanger its success.

Vincent Turley
Hartford