LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Editor, The San Marcos Civics Club has been working with City Staff and Council over the past seven months on a Tenants Bill of Rights. We have heard from club members and our neighbors throughout this process that many tenants don’t know their rights until it’s time to use them or until it’s already too late. As such, we believe that the first ordinance San Marcos should adopt from the Tenants Bill of Rights is - The Right to Organize! This would create definitions to clearly articulate how tenants are allowed to organize and, importantly, what constitutes retaliation or interference by a landlord/ property manager. If the City allows and supports tenants organizing, then we know more tenants will be educated about their rights. Educated tenants would benefit landlords as well, since tenants would be more likely to report safety and habitability issues early. This typically results in lower cost for repairs. Council Member Amanda Rodriguez indicated that at their August 5th 6 p.m. meeting, she intends for the San Marcos City Council to have The Right to Organize Ordinance as a discussion item. The San Marcos Civics Club is asking our neighbors to show up and support this effort! While we’re confident that Council will do what is best for the 71% of our community that rents, we know that people showing up creates the best outcomes. When we come together at City Hall, we’re able to share stories with each other, validate one another, and collectively lift one another up to action. The San Marcos Civics Club is here to teach people how to take an idea from being an issue to being an ordinance, and we hope you join us in what stands to be our first legislative victory by passing a Tenants Right to Organize Ordinance!
Maxfield Baker San Marcos
