Readers sound off on affordable housing, a new comic and an anti-Trump Pence

Bronx: Here is my take on affordable housing: We are in a no-win situation. People are relying on our politicians to make laws for renters. These laws can change when city political administrations change hands.

What will happen when city subsidies for housing are reduced? If we go by a free-market system, would rent go down if employers are unable to find employees? Are we not one of the cities where a majority of people are paying more than the recommended 30% of their income on housing because there are no rentals or homes that are within the 30%? What if based on the income of all employees of the city, landlords and employers would contribute to a pool for renters who are paying for more than 50% of their income. The pool could ideally be tied to the renter for future down payment on a home, or be used towards paying the subsidies. Home ownership is still the best way to go, yet I don’t see it happening if the rental market continues to take most of the people’s hard-earned income.

Why are we reaching out to politicians for affordability? Why not let employers work with landlords so they can have employees? Or will this cause employers to relocate, causing the city and landlords to lose income? I hope these questions inspire someone to come up with a great win-win solution. Mark Walter

Brooklyn: Good news in the state budget: Gov. Hochul and the Legislature have proposed banning fracked gas in new buildings statewide. Extreme right-wingers are echoing the fossil fuel industry’s talking points, falsely threatening that the aim is to seize stoves in existing homes. But the bill, which only applies to new construction, isn’t another chapter in their divisive and dangerous culture war. It’s a policy that will save lives and money, slashing air pollution, cutting energy bills and helping meet New York’s climate goals. Hochul must support the fastest timeline possible to make the necessary shift to gas-free buildings. Eric Weltman

Havertown, Pa.: Even for those of us with little or no Irish heritage, the Irish-American saga — overcoming poverty and prejudice to rise from pariahs to presidents — should be an inspiration. And, of course, the Irish still make some of the best beer in the world. Hope you enjoyed the day yesterday! Jim Castagnera

Whitestone: The “Grand Avenue” comic strip is not an adequate replacement for “Dilbert.” Beside being difficult to read, the subject matter is so very childish and boring. I am asking other longtime readers to chime in as to their opinions of this replacement. Also, the “Mutts” strip has become a mail-it-in comic from the writer. Daily News, you need to do better and not just throw us anything to take up space. Bob Krupoff

East Northport, L.I.: Richard Nixon was a concerned citizen with regards to crime and the economy. President Nixon argued that access to safe abortions is vital in the fight against these perpetual societal problems. As Republicans and conservatives, we need to open our doors and welcome all Americans into our camp. The Constitution protects the welfare of the people. It’s the American way. Larry Sweet

Manhattan: I regularly read the Voice of the People but have never felt the need to respond until reading Voicer Donald Ziminski’s letter. “All these people and media sources” are not going after Tucker Carlson because he showed previously un-shown “peaceful” footage. He showed it to the exclusion of footage that shows violence and the assault on police and the institution of Congress. Nothing is more illustrative of the damage done by Carlson and other Trump acolytes than this man’s heartfelt, righteous indignation at this paper and others who report the news but do not create it from whole cloth. His faith in Carlson and Trump come in the face of an incredible amount of evidence that Carlson ignores the truth to keep his viewers riveted to whatever tripe he may be spewing while Trump nears indictment in multiple jurisdictions for crimes perpetrated in business and on the American people. Marc Bernstein

Peters Township, Pa.: It is gratifying to see Mike Pence finally offering unvarnished, hard-hitting criticism of Donald Trump for his role in the riot that savaged the Capitol, causing deaths, injuries and destruction. Pence stated at the annual Gridiron Dinner in D.C. last weekend, “President Trump was wrong… His reckless words endangered my family and everyone at the Capitol that day, and I know that history will hold Donald Trump accountable.” Imagine how Trump will now try to savage his former ever-loyal and adoring running mate for daring to challenge “The Chosen One” and stating the truth. We could see the two of them on a debate stage together, something which would be great political theater. Thank you, Mr. Pence, for puncturing the president who did the greatest harm possible to our country through his efforts to overthrow a legitimately elected government. Oren Spiegler

Brooklyn: People, be careful of Ron DeSantis. He is the wolf in sheep’s clothing. He makes Donald Trump look like a teddy bear. Charlie Pisano

Forest Hills: To all who continue to call President Biden “Sleepy Joe,” I offer a challenge: First, take a cognitive test, same as he would, and compare notes. Second, give a reasonably coherent 10,000-word speech in front of a somewhat hostile crowd being televised for millions, and see how well you do. I have a feeling the rest of us will fall asleep. Stew Frimer

Brooklyn: To Voicer Larkin Novak: Please don’t feel sorry for these men. Bald men and women are working in high-profile jobs as well as civil service jobs. These men and women have worked so much without any real recognition and it has nothing to do with being bald or not. In my humble opinion, bald men and women are very sexy. Ruth Cintron

New Hyde Park, L.I.: As a sports fan, I am pleasantly overwhelmed by the plethora of choices for my viewing (and gambling) pleasure. There was college basketball, the beginning of March Madness, professional basketball, baseball — the World Baseball Classic as well as Major League Exhibition games — golf, the Players Championship, hockey, tennis, the BNP Paribas Open, boxing and even XFL football. As a sports fan for almost 70 years, I recall when we had no choice but to view one event on TV. For example, I would look forward to the Sunday afternoon pro-basketball game. In spite of the confusing nature of the oversaturation of choices, I prefer the current situation to the lack of options I experienced in my youth. John Macklin

Wappingers Falls, N.Y.: To Voicer Mark Jessee: I’m in complete agreement with your assessment of the latest trend in commercial ads. Seems like no white men marry white women any longer, and the same can be said for Black couples. Contrived diversity, no question. My question is, where’s the Italian grandmother with the Samoan husband serving a Sunday dinner of pasta with poi? Now that’s diversity! With apologies to my grandmother, who made the world’s greatest sauce. Michael Lanza

Manhattan: Kudos to Leonard Greene for his “Bigot busted, for now” column (March 12). I have always enjoyed reading his articles, even those times when I did not agree with them. I was extremely moved by this particular column and his courage to speak up while others remained silent. He deserves our admiration and our thanks for standing up to this bigot. Minette Gorelik

Kew Gardens Hills: After identifying himself as a Jew, Voicer David J. Melvin said, “We are just harder to pick out in a crowd” than Black or Brown people. Hasidic Jews and other religious Jews who wear yarmulkes in public would vehemently disagree with Melvin’s statement. Barry Koppel