CM Carr explains support for Garcia to Land Bank despite concerns about land bank itself
Minority Leader David Carr explains his votes, starting with support for Commissioner Lisa Garcia's appointment to the Land Bank despite his opposition to the land bank's creation, noting her qualifications as DEP Commissioner given the agency's role in placing liens.
Permission to explain my vote?
Yes.
Thank you, Chair Rung.
Good morning, colleagues.
I'm going to be talking to all three nominees this morning.
They're all very important to the future of the city.
And I'll start with Commissioner Garcia's appointment to the land bank.
I was among the several members who voted against the creation of the land bank last term.
And even though I'm an absolute opponent of the lien sale system that it seeks to reform and replace, I have grave concerns still about its mission and purpose and how it will actually operate in practice.
That being said, I do think the Commissioner of Environmental Protection is very qualified to serve on it, and any person in that capacity probably should serve on the land bank, given that the agency they lead
has such an important role in placing of liens on private home.
that could eventually lead to a property coming under the purview of the land bank.
So I'll be supporting Commissioner Garcia's appointment.