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Evict drug offenders from subsidized housing, some say County Housing Authority should toughen policies, critics believe By JESSICA SMITH With 1,500 families waiting for federally subsidized rentals, some community leaders say the Housing Authority of Jackson County could free up more homes if it kicked drug offenders out of the program. "If you can't obey the rules, there are plenty of people who will," said John Michaels, a Medford city councilman who sits on the Housing Authority's board of directors. Prompted by complaints from landlords in the authority's Section 8 program - which helps families make rent payments with vouchers backed by federal Housing and Urban Development funds - Michaels took his concerns to the board in February. "I'm grateful we live in a society that helps people who need to be helped, but there are concerns that we're giving assistance to people who do not deserve it," Michaels said. Landlords who suspect illegal activity may evict tenants with a 30-day notice at any time. But an eviction doesn't make a tenant ineligible for public funds, which frustrates some landlords. "It's not fair to those in need or to taxpayers," said Central Point Mayor Bill Walton, who has rented to tenants on the voucher program. He said the Housing Authority must examine its policies and stiffen the consequences for drug abuse. "When it's a gift of free money, you should have certain rules to abide by," Walton said. "When someone infringes on that, I don't know if they should go to the back of the line, but there are others in need who are waiting." Housing Authority officials are amending the agency's administrative rules to reflect updated federal regulations. But it's unclear whether the changes will include a more strict policy on drug use. As it stands, the agency may pull a Section 8 client's funding for a drug conviction. But offenders are first given the option of entering a treatment program. Funding is revoked only if the client fails to complete treatment or is convicted on a second offense. The client then becomes eligible for the program five years from the date the assistance is revoked. Public housing supervisor Betty McRoberts, who served as interim agency director earlier this year, said the Housing Authority must have concrete evidence of a drug violation before it considers booting someone off the program. "We can't just run out on somebody's hearsay and take assistance away," McRoberts said. "We have to be real careful that we don't violate people's rights." Convictions generally are considered proof of illegal activity, she said. Shirley Peters, a community services officer for Medford police, said she supports putting first-time drug offenders through treatment programs. But Peters, who often deals with families living on public assistance, said those who have a history of drug charges should be carefully monitored. "A lot of people go through successful treatment," Peters said. "But if you have a pattern or history of (illegal behavior), then I question why public funds are being used to supplement your income. "There needs to be some shock therapy in this process," Peters added. "We're not just going to keep enabling you to be in this drug cycle." According to Housing Authority officials, the agency can't resolve the issue on its own. With five caseworkers to oversee some 1,300 families on the voucher program, the authority can't be expected to police every residence, said McRoberts. Landlords must report illegal activity, she said. "I understand their situation. They want help," she added. "If they don't report it, we can't help." Reach reporter Jessica Smith at 776-4481, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.