Landowners’ Rights Are Being Trampled

To the Editor:
Due to the Covid-19 crisis, Gov. Murphy has instituted several executive orders that do not protect all constituents and are “shoot from the hip without aiming” laws. These laws are having unintended results and will have severe future consequences.
Gov. Murphy has proclaimed by decree, without a vote by our elected representatives, to enact several laws that adversely affect tenants and landlords.  These “proclamations” override existing laws that were designed to protect tenants and landlords.
Gov. Murphy arbitrarily decided tenants do not have to pay rent two months past the end of the crisis. And this will be exactly when? Gov. Murphy decided tenants can use security deposits to pay rent. This violates the intent and spirit of the law. Security deposits are kept in an interest bearing account. This money is to be used only to pay for damages to buildings caused by negligence. If there is no damage, money is returned with interest. 
Gov. Murphy decreed that tenants cannot be evicted during a pandemic. What if tenants randomly destroy housing and property? 
Law Enforcement officials are handcuffed because of this order. ( Nothing new there )
Gov. Murphy passed a law stating landlords must accept cash as payment for rentals, not direct deposit. Direct deposit is another way to ascertain a tenants credit worthiness and ability to pay.
Being a landlord, and dealing with myriad government regulations, rules, zoning, surveys, variances, engineers, construction, plumbing , electrical permits, and final approval to bring a rental to market can easily exceed ten thousand dollars. 
Any solution to the housing crisis must protect landlords, who invest ten’s of thousands providing safe, clean, and affordable housing, and tenants who expect the same at reasonable cost.
In my church, an advocate was discussing the need for a homeless shelter. I stressed the need for low and moderate cost rentals for county residents with moderate incomes . Government rules and regulations are making affordable rentals a mirage for those less fortunate. 
Rentals will always be available to our visitors who visit seven mile beach and pay four thousand dollars a week for the privilege of sun, sand, and ocean.  
My concern is for low wage earners of Cape May County who need housing, now. No affordable housing means less employee’s to work at our restaurants, stores, tourist sites, and service jobs. 
I predict, and it is already happening, low and moderate cost housing are being removed from the market, only to sit vacant. No landlord will rent under draconian rules and lose money. No one will rent when he has no protections. Our state has picked winners and losers in a jaded political system.
Mr. Murphy has opined when he passed these executive orders, he never consulted the Constitution or Bill of Rights or our elected representatives. Perhaps constituents should consider this in the next election, and what party best represents your values. 
Sen. Mike Testa has introduced Bill S2482 . It stipulates any executive order issued by the Governor’s Office to be passed by the senate 14 days after proclamation.
I encourage citizens of our First District to call and write Sen. Testa to offer opinions. 
Any recovery must encompass all citizens. Our leaders must fix problems and not create another crisis . Big Brother must not handicap businesses who provide jobs, housing, and incomes in a short seasonal economy. Local businesses provide an economic engine to support many charities and those less fortunate.