Is it too good to be true?

Denise Oppenhagen
Published: May 24, 2008

I’ve always lived by the motto, “if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.” It has saved me lots of money and heartache in my short life. That’s why I am looking for the small print in Chris Martino’s recent proposal before the Board of County Supervisors about helping county employees purchase homes. 

First of all, let me just say that I think the best way to help county employees live in the county is to pay them a realistic wage that reflects the cost of living here. It is expensive, even without all the frills those other counties have. But, that being a politically unfeasible wish, making it less expensive for county employees to live here would be a good second option.

And this proposal sounds like a really good idea. Take money that is not being spent and put it in an account that will generate interest. Then take that interest, which hopefully has not been included in any budget estimates, and allow county employees to purchase homes at a reduced interest rate. 

I see lots of good reasons to do this. 

I guess the county will save money on maintaining lawns (although why the government is stepping in to do this task is beyond me). 

Another benefit to the county is that more homes will be lived in, which means more property taxes being paid. And I personally feel that it is a benefit not only to the county, but also to neighborhoods when homes are owned by owners rather than investors. 

Owners take more of an interest in what is happening in the community — crime rates, school improvements, local elections — than investors. Investors are just out for the quick buck. That’s what made the prices go up in the first place. 

And with more owners, the sense of community will return.  People will know their neighbors better and longer. They will see the babies grow to graduate from high school and (gulp) college.  My family and I live in a neighborhood that is pretty stable. We have watched while one neighbor’s children have graduated high school and are getting married. We’ve watched another neighbor have a baby and have seen that baby grow into an active preschooler. 

We have several homes for sale in our neighborhood and, quite personally, I would love to have a police officer or a firefighter as a neighbor. 

Although I am skeptical right now about the proposal, I have high hopes that it does become one of those too good to be true ideas that are actually true.

On another note — this weekend marks another observance of Memorial Day. After several years of writing for this weekend, it is difficult to find new words to say.  So at the risk of seeming blasé, I want to say, simply, thank you. 

Also, I want to urge everyone to remember those who have lost their lives fighting for our nation.  Whether we agree with current military endeavors or not, the men and women who are fighting are doing their jobs and doing them well. Make sure also to thank those left behind — husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters. No one who goes to war goes alone.  Family is there with them each and every step of the way. Family members are as much a part of the military as those who have actually enlisted. They suffer the separation and endure the unknown as much, if not more, than the soldiers. When a soldier dies, his or her suffering is over; for the family, it is just the beginning of a long struggle to accept and move on. The words “thank you” cannot begin to express the admiration and appreciation I, and many others, feel for the sacrifice they’ve made. 

Thank you.

Denise Oppenhagen is a longtime resident of Prince William County and can be reached at .