Assembly Member and DNC Vice Chair Michael Blake: H.U.D. Appointment is 'Irresponsible'

Bronx, NY - After President Trump named Lynne Patton to head the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (H.U.D.) Region II, Assembly Member and DNC Vice Chair Michael Blake released the following statement.
 

“I am deeply concerned by the appointment of Lynne Patton who seemingly has absolutely zero qualifications to lead Housing & Urban Development's Region II office.  As the head of  H.U.D. Region II, Patton would oversee all of the H.U.D. programs in New York and New Jersey, directly impacting NYCHA residents, families on Section-8 and all federal housing programs for our area. This is further proof that President Trump is not really concerned about the consequences of his actions on urban, low-income and communities of color, rather his primary motivation is empowering the top one percent and those in his circle.
 

The recklessness of this appointment cannot be understated as every year H.U.D. distributes billions of dollars to affordable housing complexes throughout the country, including of course New York City. This investment is critical for working families, many of whom rely on government supported affordable housing to keep a roof over their head. For H.U.D. to be effective, it needs experienced, diligent, passionate public servants to head its regional offices and Lynne Patton is not that person.
 

Lynne Patton's only qualifications seem to be planning tournaments at President Trump’s golf courses, helping run the Eric Trump Foundation, which is currently under investigation by state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and to have possibly lied about receiving a Juror's Doctorate from Quinnipiac University School of Law in Connecticut. Lynne Patton has zero experience in housing or government and is incredibly unqualified for her newly appointed position.
 

As the Assembly Member with the second highest concentration of New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) residents, I am keenly aware of the impact that  H.U.D. funding has on the lives of Bronxites and New Yorkers. Housing is the number one issue that constituents come to my office with every day, and, we need strong partners in the federal government if we are going to properly serve them. Lynne Patton lacks the experience and the expertise to be that partner. The White House should be helping people keep a roof over their head rather than hire people who put party tents over the heads of people who don't need the help in the first place.
 

Source: The Office of Assemblyman Michael Blake