Local Tradesmen and Tradeswomen Unite and Join the 'VOTE NO ON QUESTION ONE' Coalition in Opposition to Efforts to Implement Rent Control in City of Portland

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VOTE NO ON QUESTION ONE- SAY NO TO RENT CONTROL coalition

Oct 02, 2017, 05:00 ET

PORTLAND, Maine, Oct. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The VOTE NO ON QUESTION ONE- SAY NO TO RENT CONTROL coalition, a diverse group of organizations and individuals opposed to the referendum on November's ballot to implement rent control in Portland, ME, announced today a growing number of businesses comprised of local tradesmen and tradeswomen coming together to defeat the controversial initiative.

The proposed ordinance threatens the livelihood of all tradesmen and tradeswomen in Portland whose small businesses depend on new construction, crucial revitalization projects to existing properties, and an overall healthy housing market.

Among a long list of unintended consequences that will result if the measure is passed, government controlled rents will make it extremely difficult for property owners to improve housing for their tenants. This will cause an immediate and substantial decline in demand for work for the entire local trades community.

"Ninety percent of my business is from property managers making ongoing capital improvements - big jobs and little jobs. If they can't afford to do these projects my business will be in jeopardy," says Drew Proulx, owner of Drew's Carpet Cleaning and Property Care, LLC. "It's pretty scary to my small business - and my family of four," he lamented.

"This (proposed ordinance) will be devastating to our business. We proudly support property owners 24/7/365 who need to make repairs and improve things for their tenants and their neighborhoods. We employ close to thirty people and rely on many subcontractors. These are good, local, reliable, year-round jobs in Portland. It breaks my heart but I'd have no choice but to cut many of them immediately if this were to happen," says J.D. Walker, owner of Rich Exterior Solutions.

Coalition Membership To-Date:

Brookscapes Property Services - Ben Cutter
Drew's Carpet Cleaning & Property Care LLC – Andrew Proulx
Imperial Plumbing & Heating – Josh Nappi
Mann Enterprises, Inc. – Mann Busari
Pro-Mex – Emerito Anzurez
Command Pest Services – Allan Wilde
J & J Construction – Joseph Noonan
Martin's Plumbing & Heating – Jeffrey Martin
JB Enterprises, Inc – Josh Bjerrum
Rich Exterior Solutions, Inc – JD Walker
Stone Surface – Greg Smith
The Pink Crew – Cristina Anzurez
The Union Painting Service – Roberto Hernandez
Moss Tiling – Justin Moss
Caddis Creative Solutions – Mike Cooney
PD Drywall – Paul Daigle
Carol Ham Drywall – Carol Ham
Vaillancourt Properties – Dan Vaillancourt
ETP Electric – Ed Profenno
Delaney's Burner Service – Tim Delaney
Kelly's Sealcoating and Crack Filling – Kelly Fogg
East Coast Masonry – Phil Difiore
Design Concepts – Carey Goltz
Maine Locksmith Services – Martin Crommie
Lacourse Restoration – Philip Lacourse
Nathan Hawkes Carpentry – Nate Hawkes
Dump Guy LLC – Garrett Gordon
Southern Maine Cabling – Pete Desrochers
DBA Summit Solutions
Casco Bay Insulation – Jon Riley
Casco Bay Electric - Matt Flaherty
Guardian Systems of Maine - Rich Brobst
Jimino Plumbing and Heating – Mike Jimino