WHY MUST THE POOR AND DISABLED SUFFER AT THE HANDS OF RENTERS?

I recently read the Sunday edition of the Herald--and was stunned by what's trespassing for sky-high rents and outrageous condo conversions.

I never thought for instant that last year, we had over 1,500 condo conversions from apartment complexes alone in Snohomish County. But it would certainly explain why some of the complexes near where I live in Woodland Heights (now Timberline Courts) have suddenly gone "condo-crazy". (And I'm worried mine's next.)

But then I saw how much rent is for some of these "converted" apartments, and I just about fell off my chair. How can any sane man, woman, or child be able to afford these "luxury" prices on their stagnant and falling wages--as a family?

And what about the poor and the disabled? What happens to them? What happens to people like me whom can't afford between $800 and $1200 a month for a 2-bedroom apartment--and are barely making it on housing assistance?

Getting a job is besides the point--especially when the bulk of our jobs here in Snohomish County still rely on minimum-wage. Has renters ever considered this when jacking up the price of a one-bedroom unit? Or a two-bedroom?

Or is this the county's way of driving out everyone but the super-rich and wealthy who can afford to spend such money on these fool's gold ventures?

Schuyler Thorpe

xxxth Street xx #X001

Everett, WA 98204

(XXX)-XXX-XXXX