Letter to the Editor: Property inspections would shine light on social, legal, health and fire safety issues

The League of Women Voters of Adams County (LWVAC) submitted a letter of support in 2019 for a rental inspection program for the city of Quincy. The City Council did not support such a program then and has not supported this kind of program in the intervening years.

It is now 2025, and the need for such a program still exists. A group of concerned citizens has gone through the laborious process of getting a non-binding referendum on this issue on the April 1 ballot.

The LWVAC stands with other Illinois cities who use this proactive approach to public safety. Adams County and Quincy have numerous rental properties (although the total is not adequate) which serve a large population of children in poverty. Many renters are female heads of household supporting these children. Low-income renters have limited choices of living arrangements. All too often they are forced to deal with landlords who accept their cash without investing in the property by making critical repairs needed by the renters, much less any improvements which would boost the tax base of the community. 

The LWVAC is well aware that inspections will shine a light on many social, legal, health and fire safety issues. These inspections would enable other city departments to assist the families. As the Fire Department now looks for hazardous material storage in business locations, it also may be alerted to residents who use oxygen tanks or have volatile chemicals. Police will have another avenue to develop positive relationships with citizens. Cross-training might be the new norm. Quincy’s departments have historically worked well together for the public benefit. This rental inspection program would strengthen their ability to address serious issues and work for the common good.

We would ask the voters to consider seriously what the referendum is intended to address and what has led to this call by citizens for their fellow citizens to voice their positions on such a significant issue.  

Mary Ann Klein
President, League of Women Voters of Adams County
Quincy, Illinois