Talking out of turn

By: Dothan Eagle editorial | Dothan Eagle
Published: May 31, 2009

Almost 20 years have passed since Wiregrass Habitat for Humanity was formed to help economically disadvantaged resident purchase a home. Since 1990, the organization has built more than 100 homes in Houston, Henry, Dale and Geneva counties with volunteer labor, donated material and monetary contributions. The homes are then sold to families who meet the organization’s eligibility requirements through interest-free mortgages.

Who could find fault with such a program?

Apparently Dothan Commissioner Amos Newsome can.

In a recent meeting, Newsome launched into a tirade about Habitat for Humanity during a discussion about the distribution of federal Community Block Development Grants. The local Habitat group will receive $50,000 from the CDBG funds.

“Why are we spending money to buy property when property has been given to Habitat?” Newsome asked. “I have some concerns here. I have some big concerns here.”

Apparently not enough concern to look into the matter before attempting to hold up federal grant dollars.

Habitat Director Elizabeth Tiller was in attendance that day and took the opportunity to set the record straight. The property Newsome refers to is not suitable for residential construction, she said. Of 23 parcels the organization has been given, three are suitable as home sites. “They are too small, or we can’t get planning variances or they are in flood plains,” she said. “There is a long laundry list of reasons why we can’t build on them.”

She also pointed out that she and Newsome had toured parts of District 2, which the commissioner represents, and that Newsome kept pointing out houses he said Habitat could rehabilitate.
Tiller told him, “We do not rehab houses. Our Habitat only builds new construction.”

What’s maddening about this flap is that Newsome should know the mission of the organization and the nuances of what makes property suitable for Habitat construction — he served a stint on the organization’s board of directors.
Newsome’s diatribe failed to gain traction with the rest of the commission, and Tiller deftly — and courageously — put the cards on the table.

The group’s grant funds should not be delayed. Wiregrass Habitat for Humanity has more than proved its worth.