The guest column by state Sen. Jennifer Beck, "Gov.'s Affordable Housing Law Is Destructive to New Jersey," (Tri- Town News, Feb. 19) needs serious clarification.

Throughout the column, Sen. Beck refers to "Gov. Corzine's new affordable housing law," implying that the governor has recently forced new policy and requirements on the people of New Jersey.

She fails, however, to identify the law that she is attacking. At times, it seems she is addressing the rules adopted by the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing (COAH), and at other times she seems to be referring to legislation passed by the state Assembly and Senate back in June.

When Sen. Beck cites COAH provisions, she does so as if the governor has mandated them as a new law.

COAH rules are proposed through a public process, and are intended to meet the provisions of a state Supreme Court decision over 20 years old. Participation in the COAH rules is voluntary, not mandated.

The legislation passed in the spring, which includes abolition of Regional Contribution Agreements, was formed, framed and adopted by members of the state Assembly and Senate.

Neither the COAH rules nor the bill passed last spring are new, and neither originated with Gov. Corzine. It is hard to understand then, why he would be the target for criticism.

In fact, there is no such thing as "Gov. Corzine's new affordable housing law."

It is disappointing that Sen. Beck chooses to distort and mislead around one of New Jersey's most serious issues. In this time of economic recession, the crisis of housing for New Jersey's low- and fixed-income citizens requires thoughtful and expeditious action.

It will also require investment, public education around the issues, and leadership.

Sen. Beck says state legislators agree that New Jersey needs affordable housing, but I didn't read anything in her column that indicated what she would do to solve that problem.

There is even less in her voting record to indicate that she has any particular strategy related to housing affordability and access.

It's not enough, frankly, to recognize what we need. It's time for the state's legislators to face the challenge honestly, leave the political rhetoric aside, and look for solutions beyond failed policies of the past.

New Jersey has a legal and moral obligation to provide affordable housing in every community. Attacking the governor in an election year is easy; working for just, informed and equitable policy is a lot tougher. That is, however, a fair expectation of an elected official.

The Rev. Bruce H. Davidson

Director

Lutheran Office of Governmental Ministry in New Jersey Trenton