Anyone interested in finding out how bad the housing situation is in Newport need only strike up a conversation with a group of bleary eyed, rubber boot wearing fish processor workers on the bay front ("Vacation rental debate takes root on Oregon coast," Sept. 29). During a short stint this summer as a temporary employee at the Pacific Seafood plant, I heard story after story from men and women working grueling jobs, 60 to 70 hours a week with no days off, fortunate if they pay $1,100 a month to live in a rundown motel room.
Some of the workers say euphemistically that they "camp" on the beach, or they sleep outside on the deck of the temp agency that employs them. I would hate to think the city of Newport would have to tell a lovely couple from New York the land they want to build their dream summer getaway home on is being used for affordable housing for the workers who provide their family with their safe, fresh and healthy rockfish dinner, but such are the sacrifices the ruling class must at times make.
Michael Edwards, Lincoln City
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