Homebuyers make good residents

This is in response to the recent letter to the editor from Chad Goodwin (Aug. 31). He lamented the downfall of his former city of residence, Palmdale, and charged that to the city's affordable housing program- the strong inference being that such a program invites undesirable residents and lawbreakers. Whether that was true in his former city, Moorpark is not Palmdale.

I attended a workshop for first- time homebuyers in Moorpark. Most of those present were young couples. There were a few a bit older and something of an ethnic mix. Spanish interpretation was offered. All seemed genuinely interested and eager.

The city's Nancy Burns offered an excellent commentaryaided slide presentation, followed by a question-and-answer session which showed that the audience had listened closely.

It was clear that Moorpark's program differs greatly from earlier programs in other cities. There are very stringent application, qualification and restriction requirements. Most of these are to see that the homes go to those for whom programs like this are intended and to safeguard the city while protecting those buyers.

Not to be seen at the workshop were those appearing as gangbangers or other ostensible troublemakers- just hopefuls who most of us would welcome to the residential mix and as neighbors.

Mr. Goodwin's fears and concerns may be well-intended, but I believe they are incorrectly directed to the Moorpark program. Bob Peskay Moorpark