Homebuilder complaints rare

Thank you for your editorial on “unnecessary” statutory home warranties (Feb. 6); your opinion was spot on.

Rep. Brendan Williams’ (D-Olympia) call for mandatory warranties is not only unnecessary but unfounded. According to both the state attorney general’s office and the Better Business Bureau, registered complaints against homebuilders are less than 2 percent of the total number of projects completed. In comparison, complaints against the legal profession are three times higher.

The unfortunate consequence of legislation such as this is that consumers suffer. Ultimately, increased costs due to litigation and higher insurance are passed on to the consumer, effectively increasing the cost of the American dream of home ownership for Washington’s citizens at the worst time possible.

Williams also co-sponsored legislation to decriminalize marijuana in Washington. One has to ask, what are his priorities? Promoting affordable housing and good jobs or the proliferation of illegal drugs? No one can argue the benefit that affordable homeownership provides to our communities. I doubt that decriminalizing marijuana would produce similar benefits.

I would encourage readers to call your state representative or better yet, Rep. Williams, and ask them to get it straight. With a $6 billion state deficit and an uncertain national economy, we cannot afford his dopey ideology.

Bradley D. Spears

General contractor

Colbert