Massachusetts ChapterNational Association of

Housing & Redevelopment Officials October 2011

Published by Massachusetts NAHRO Boston, MA Vol. XXXV No. 9

Donations Welcome

NEWSA Housing Legend is Lost - Past President Joanne H. Graves

Fall Conference Reminder - November 14-15

On September 23, Joanne Graves, Ex‑ecutive Director of the Stoneham and the Manchester by the Sea Housing Authorities, passed away suddenly. Chairman of the Mass‑

NAHRO Insurance G r o u p , J o a n n e w a s t h e last Char‑ter Mem‑ber of the Board of Trustees, h a v i n g been ap‑p o i n t e d in 1991. J o a n n e

served from 1993‑95 as an outstanding President of MassNAHRO and on the board

of Directors for many years before that. A long time member of the Housing Commit‑tee and the Past Presidents Memorial Schol‑arship Committee, she also served diligently on the Management Assessment Committee and the Legal Pilot Program Committee. Joanne received many accolades over the years including Outstanding Agency Awards for her authorities and individual awards. In 2003 Joanne was named the MassNAHRO Ambassador for her extraordinary accom‑plishments in promoting and representing the Association, and for diligence and te‑nacity in providing public housing for her communities. Joanne was the first to prove one executive director could manage two authorities successfully. Beyond her numer‑ous professional accomplishments, Joanne gave 100% to any task she undertook, from being President of the North Shore Housing Executive Director Association (NSHEDA)

to being a humorous skit player in the infa‑mous MassNAHRO Revue. When asked how she was, invariably she would reply, “Not bad for an old bat!” Joanne’s Housing Committee reports were a standard feature on NSHEDA’s meeting agenda for years. A real scrapper, she was not hesitant to speak her mind whether to regulators or to legisla‑tors, all of whom respected her intelligence and dedication. Joanne was also a mentor, trusted friend and confidant. Her advice was always rational and sound. An avid sailor, Joanne did her best to keep MassNAHRO on course and out of harms’s way. She was one of the stars by which the Association navigated. Her passing is a tremendous loss personally and professionally to all of the MassNAHRO community. “Happy Trails” to you, Joanne, until we meet again. You will be truly be missed and your many achieve‑ments not forgotten.

The Professional Development/Member Services Committee has drafted a compre‑hensive agenda for the 2011 MassNAHRO Fall Conference at the Four Points Sheraton in Norwood on November 14 and 15. The key speakers will include officials from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and from the Massa‑chusetts Department of Housing and Com‑munity Development (DHCD). The tentative agenda appears in this newsletter. It includes public housing management maintenance, legal and modernization topics, plus sev‑eral professional development sessions for administrators and agency board members.

The Fall Conference is an excellent op‑portunity to learn the latest in both federal and state public housing, as well as the status of legislation in Washington and Boston impacting housing authorities statewide. Scholarships are available for those agen‑cies unable to send a delegate due to budget constraints. Contact the MassNAHRO office for more details.

Several roundtables on management and

regulatory issues will be offered. The very popular DHCD technical assistance resource center will be available to the delegates on both days. DHCD brings experts from all bureaus of the department to work with lo‑cal administrators in hands‑on assistance on every facet of LHA operations. Bring your questions. A schedule of specialists will be available in every delegate’s packet.

Registration materials, hotel accom‑modations and program book forms are now available online at www.massnahro.org. Rooms are available by calling 781‑769‑7900 and mentioning “MassNAHRO”. Rooms are $129 per room, per night. The registration fee includes continental break‑fast and lunch both days, a networking re‑ception Monday evening, and all materials and handouts. One‑day registrations are available. Sign up now for the Fall Confer‑ence. This professional development event last year was a tremendous success in the quality of information imparted and the ac‑tive involvement of the regulatory agencies and the membership of MassNAHRO.

The MassNAHRO Insurance Group has donated $5,000 to estab‑lish a scholarship in honor of Joanne H. Graves to be awarded through the MassNAHRO Past Presidents Memo‑rial Scholarship Fund, and a donation in Joanne’s name to the Manchester Education Fund. Helping young stu‑dents was one of Joanne’s passions. She served for years as Chair and Member of the MassNAHRO Scholarship Com‑mittee, as Chair and Member of the Manchester School Committee, and as Chair and Member of the Manchester Boosters Club.

MassNAHRO members are wel‑come to make donations in Joanne’s name to the:

MassNAHRO Scholarship Fund c/o MassNAHRO11 Beacon Street, Suite 722Boston, Mass. 02108

October 2011

President’s Corner2

PRESIDENTRichard Leco

CommissionerNorth Attleboro Housing Authority

DIRECTORS - Terms expiring 2013

VICE PRESIDENT - LargeRobert Hill

Executive DirectorFitchburg Housing Authority

VICE PRESIDENT - SmallMark Roy

Executive DirectorCanton Housing Authority

VICE PRESIDENT - CommissionersJoseph D'AscoliCommissioner

East Longmeadow Housing Authority

VICE PRESIDENT - MediumGene Capoccia

Executive DirectorLeominster Housing Authority

VICE PRESIDENT - CR & DDavid Hedison

Executive DirectorChelmsford Housing Authority

TREASURERLisa Audette

Executive DirectorFranklin Housing Authority

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTRobert McNabbExecutive Director

Woburn Housing Authority

DIRECTORS - Terms expiring 2012

Massachusetts NAHRO2011-2012 Board of Directors

Rosalie Deane Executive Director, Holyoke Housing AuthorityColleen Doherty Executive Director, Taunton Housing Authority

Daniel Kelly Executive Director, Westfield Housing AuthorityWalter McGuire Executive Director, Waltham Housing Authority

Michael McLaughlin Executive Director, Chelsea Housing AuthorityDan Ouellette Executive Director, Salisbury Housing Authority

OPERATIONS MANAGER MEMBER SERVICES COORD. Jennifer M. Polito Michael P. Lazdowsky

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Thomas J. Connelly, Jr.

DEPUTY DIRECTOR Donna M. Brown, Esq.

Leila Botsford Executive Director, Mashpee Housing AuthorityBetty Burnham Executive Director, Easthampton Housing AuthorityConnie Desbiens Executive Director, Dartmouth Housing Authority

Francine Kouis Executive Director, Swansea & Seekonk Housing Authority Ray Mariano Executive Director, Worcester Housing Authority

Joanne Toomey Executive Director, Dedham Housing Authority

October is National Housing America Month. It is the month in which we need to tell our story of the success of our programs and our residents. It is a time to ask your local heads of government to recognize publicly the great works that you all do within your respective communities. Think of the social and economical impact our agencies have on our communities. What would our communities look like if we were not a viable agency running successful programs with solid social and economic results?

One of the major focuses during this month is the National NAHRO Housing America Poster contest. This contest allows the children of our agencies to artistically present their hopes, dreams and aspirations. Affordable housing and education of our children, what a wonderful combination.

It is a combination that our long time colleague and friend, Joanne Graves, believed in and worked for each and every day of her life. As many of you know Joanne passed away recently all too soon for those of us who knew her. It is in Joanne’s honor and memory that I ask you to become involved in Housing America Month. My personal sympathies and prayers are sent to her family and friends.

This year several of our member agencies have participated in the National NAHRO poster contest. It is my hope and goal that we can double our participation next year. I would like to name a MassNAHRO member as the 2012 Housing America Month/Poster Contest Chairperson. Please let me know if you or a member of your staff or board would be willing to lead this effort.

I encourage all of you, along with staff and commissioners, to attend our upcoming Fall Conference. There will be an excellent program and some new surprises.

Finally, our unsung hero for the month of October is Betty Burnham. Betty is the Executive Director of the Easthampton Housing Authority. Betty is past president of the Western Massachusetts Executive Directors Association, a MassNAHRO board member since 2007, nominating committee member since 2008 and the current chairperson of the Scholarship Committee. Betty is in the homestretch to her well earned retirement. We thank her for her dedication and commitment to our industry and our association. Betty has quietly yet forcefully been a great contributor to the success of MassNAHRO.

There’s the deal!

3October 2011

House 375 - Innovative Demonstration Bill Pending

MassNAHRO Housing Committee Meeting Summary

House Bill 375 is pending before the House Committee on Ways and Means. The bill calls for a 10 housing authority demon‑stration utilizing innovative strategies and techniques to make public housing more efficient, more responsive to the needs of the residents and less reliant on state subsidy. Co‑sponsored by Representative Sanchez and Senator Chandler, the bill would en‑hance the rehabilitation and maintenance of aging housing stock. It would streamline housing authority regulation and promote innovative solutions to the fiscal challenges facing local housing authorities today. The intended results include expedited rede‑velopment and repair of units, improved management, greater opportunities for resident training employment and education,

increased efficiencies in the use of resources from non‑traditional sources, coordination between agencies and maximum discretion to local administrators in establishing oper‑ating procedures that minimize bureaucracy. The 10 agencies selected will draft innova‑tive action plans for DHCD approval. This plan will include maximum flexibility and predictable funding of resources between management programs. All forms of assis‑tance can be combined as the agency sees fit. LHAs can establish a reasonable rent policy and local methods of tenant selection with preferences still for the homeless, veterans and victims of domestic abuse. The LHA can develop procurement policies, engage in public/private financing mechanisms, and establish consortia with other public

and private entities. The opportunities are many, subject to DHCD approval of the In‑novative Action Plan. Plans will be modified yearly or as needed. An advisory committee including MassNAHRO will be used to help implement the program.

House 375 and Senate 1935 are landmark legislation authorizing sweeping changes to the state public housing program on a limited trial basis at a representative group of 10 LHAs. Given the current fiscal constraint under which LHAs must try to work today, this bill is the brightest hope LHAs have for an improved program and preservation of stock. It is the proverbial light at the end of the public housing tunnel. Please support these bills. For more information visit the online Legislative Action Center.

On September 19, the Housing Com‑mittee met with officials from DHCD. Representing the Association were Chair‑man Doherty of Taunton and members Sergi of Brockton, Roy of Canton, Coddington of Everett, Hill of Fitchburg, Curran of Gardner, Deane of Holyoke, Capoccia of Leominster, Botsford of Mashpee, Larkin of Maynard, Martin of Methuen, and Merritt of Norwood. From DHCD were Associate Di‑rector Heyer, Housing Management Direc‑tor Taylor and Special Assistant Glassman. Brief notes appear below.

2012 Bond Cap: No new info so far. DHCD’s FY 2012 allocation for modern‑ization is expected to be announced by Administration and Fiance by early October. DHCD is confident of at least level funding. The improvement in the rating of the state bonds may help. The Acting DHCD Under‑secretary is Steve Carvalho. DHCD did ask A & F for an increase. MassNAHRO and CHAPA asked for $100 million.

Federalization: All are concerned with the recent House appropriations bill language prohibiting subsidy to units fed‑eralized using ARRA funds. The Senate version does not include such language. The Governor is on it, as are the state’s lob‑byists in DC. MassNAHRO and CHAPA are doing a joint letter to both Senators and Congressman Olver. PHAs are responding also. A meeting with Senator Brown is being

arranged. PHAs and DHCD put millions into unit preservation to meet HUD inspectors requirements and have signed local ACCs accordingly with HUD.

Vacancies: The $2 million DHCD memo of 9/16 will help. AHTF as the possible source fostered a discussion as traditionally those funds are for modernization and would have gone to LHAs anyway. It is important that LHAs respond with requests for fund‑ing and that they keep their vacancy ledgers up to date. The problem of correcting base unit information on the electronic vacancy reports has been addressed. A notice of clari‑fication amending 2011‑07 was distributed. The notice stresses factually that timely reoccupancy is a problem and that the $2M is not enough. (MassNAHRO is seeking another $2 million for veterans.)

CIP and RSA: Two working groups will review both programs and offer suggestions for improvements. Members will be asked for input. Approximately 20 CIPs have been approved with 20 more under review. 53 LHAs have not yet requested their user name or password to access the system but they have until March. There seems to be some unforeseen impediments in the delivery of technical assistance to those LHAs who need help. DHCD staff may be overwhelmed. Perhaps Cybersense and Rick could meet with the Mod Squad. DHCD will do regional meetings that will be live on‑line using

actual LHA data and laptops. Several LHA folks are serving as mentors to others. The system does have its quirks and infrequent use makes these an obstacle. To do it right takes many hours and folks can go only so far. Mod funds can be used as an option to pay costly unit rehab. Sarah Glassman will convene the Mod group and the RSA folks. The RSA plan will be redrafted.

Budget Questions: The “accrual” ques‑tion was addressed again. Draft language was presented by DHCD relative to the GAAP determination of estimated vs. actual accounts payable. LHAs fear exposing their agency to auditor claims of inaccuracy in financial reporting of accrued payables.

LHA Administration of Enhanced Voucher Contracts: A letter from the Preservation Advisory Committee to HUD was reviewed which requests that DHCD non‑profits be given priority in the adminis‑tration of enhanced voucher (EV) contracts over PHAs in mortgage prepayment transac‑tions. The Committee felt HUD needed to know PHAs can not suffer the additional loss of administrative fees or preservation of their own PH units would be in jeop‑ardy. The Committee favored retaining the current HUD policy. It was felt residents would favor mobile EVs over Project Based Vouchers.

Condo Fees and Assessments: DHCD continued on page 4

October 2011

Upon hearing the tragic news of the unexpected, sudden passing of our colleague, Joanne H. Graves it gave me pause to reflect on her and all that she has given to our Commonwealth through her many years of public service. Joanne was selfless with her time and talents. She was deservedly recognized as a leader among her peers and epitomized all that is good about public service. Joanne’s legacy will reach beyond our lifetimes. Thank you, Joanne for all of your service to the Commonwealth and its citizens. You will be missed.

Our shared priority is the preservation of state‑aided housing and everything that we do is directed to further that goal. By now, you have read my recent Public Housing Notice about Administrative Resources for CIP (PHN 2011‑14.) I am very pleased that we were able to provide some additional financial resources for part‑time executive directors in recognition of the extra time that may be required to submit the initial CIP. The funds are over and above the authority’s awarded formula funding. Please review the notice closely and take advantage of as many of the resources available that will support you in your efforts. Your partners at DHCD are open to other means of support too. If there is something else that would be helpful, feel free to raise that with one of your community’s dedicated DHCD team members.

I appreciate all of your efforts and dedication and am committed to supporting you in your work.

4

Important Mod Money Alert!

HUD Funding Battle Continues in Washington

Take Action! Each year the Executive Office of Administration and Finance allocates the amount of money from the sale of state bonds that DHCD will have available for badly needed capital improvements at housing authorities. MassNAHRO and CHAPA are seeking an allocation of $100 million for this fiscal year. This includes $5 million from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. For‑mula funding dollars from DHCD to LHAs are based upon this allocation! The allocation currently is $87 million down $20 million from $107 million just two years ago.

What To Do: Contact A & F Secretary Jay Gonzalez and Gov‑ernor Patrick to urge that the bond allocation to DHCD for capital improvements at housing authority sites be raised to $100 million in fiscal year 2012. Use examples of your most pressing capital improvement needs especially health and safety items, unoccupied units, and compliance items.

Ask your state legislator to contact Secretary Gonzales on be‑half of your senior and family residents who would be the direct benefactors of increased modernization funding.

Visit the Legislative Action Center on the MassNAHRO web‑page to find the Association letter to Secretary Gonzalez. The letter can be modified to fit local priorities and circumstances; it can be sent to your own legislators automatically. It can also be sent to the media by choosing from the list presented. (If you have any ques‑tions on how to use the Legislative Action Center webpage, please contact the MassNAHRO office).

This annual bond allocation impacts everybody. Please take action!

Greetings from Lizbeth Heyer

Lizbeth

The HUD Appropriations bill voted by the House Subcommittee on Transportation, HUD and Related Agencies contained some dev‑astating cuts to federal public housing in Massachusetts including barring 3,867 public housing units federalized under ARRA from receiving operating subsidy for FY 2012. Additionally the Capital Fund appropriation is $1.53 billion, a 25% cut from current levels and 39% from FY 2010 levels. The Operating Fund appropriation is $3.86 billion, $1.1 billion less than HUD estimates is necessary to fund 100% of eligibility. However, a last minute amendment re‑quires HUD to submit an operating reserve offset plan for approval by House and Senate Appropriations Committees within 30 days of passage of the 2012 T‑HUD spending bill. The bill also reduces Section 8 Admin fees by 25% from FY 2011 levels, which were already reduced by 8.4% from 2010 levels. In a purely punitive gesture, the bill caps PHA salaries at $155,000 by stating none of the funding provided through the bill could be used to compensate any PHA employee whose rate of annual base pay exceeds HUD Executive Level IV.

The Senate bill was better but still inadequate with $1.875 billion for the Capital Fund (the program was funded at $2.5 billion in 2010 with a $24 billion backlog by HUD’s own admission), and operating Funds at $3.962 billion, but the Administration’s estimate of full funding of PHA eligibility is at $4.962 billion. The Senate limited any reserve offset to $750 million, and provided language that no PHA would be left with less than $100,000 in operating reserves, and

added provision for an appeals process. PHA compensation and the ARRA federalization funding prohibition is not in the Senate bill.

What To Do: Please inform your Congressman and Senators Kerry and Brown about the potential for total disruption of public housing and section 8 should the House bill numbers prevail in con‑ference with the Senate. Go on record as defending and preserving your federal public housing and section 8, and tens of thousands of low income seniors, families and the disabled your agency serves.

does pay these costs once the LHA has presented adequate back up documentation. There is an issue at one LHA currently on a “special assessment” charge. Ms. Taylor is dealing with it.

Other Items: The mixed population issue seems to be heating up as developments are tipping from elderly to young disabled. A number of agencies have established “designated housing” in federal developments. Some may seek legislation to allow state‑aided units to be designated as well. DHCD prefers decoupling DLI wage rates in favor of rates negotiated locally by LHAs and their own employ‑ees. Several requested that DHCD consider the expansion of the cost‑effective regional attorney program. A discussion followed on value of training and interpretation of regs versus the time spent on legal and court appearance tasks. The success of the program merits expansion as the regional attorneys do a fantastic job.

HOUSING from page 3

5October 2011

Improving Your Authority’s Public ImageMassNAHRO is now providing member agencies with public

relations assistance at no cost. MassNAHRO’s public relations consultant, Glenn Briere, is available to assist members in all aspects of media‑related issues. The following are some suggested strate‑gies in striving to improve your agency's image through coverage in the media:

1. Open the door and break the ice! Contact the news editor and the reporter who covers local government at your local news‑paper. Explain that you would like to communicate with them on a regular basis and that from time to time you may have news items of interest. Tell them that you are always available to speak with them and that you maintain an open door policy. Be helpful, courteous and accessible. Understand that a reporter has a job to do, and help them to obtain accurate information. Encourage press coverage of board meetings, especially when you have an agenda item that could translate into a good news story.

2. Issue press releases on newsworthy housing authority is-sues. Prepare and issue press releases on stories of interest to local media that involve your authority and its residents. Keep the release concise and informative. Follow up the press release with a call to the reporter or editor. There’s no guarantee that they’ll use it, but at the very least you are getting your story out and on the record. From time to time, MassNAHRO issues press releases on statewide issues; prepare a local statement to be inserted into these releases and disseminate them to your local media.

3. Be creative! Public housing properties are filled with poten‑tial human interest stories. Explore the possibility of inviting the media to events that might generate news coverage, i.e. an award presentation to one of your residents at your town’s senior center, or a meeting with your board and your selectmen to discuss an important local issue. Let people know that the housing authority is a benefit to your communuity and that you want to be an active participant in improving the quality of life in your municipality.

4. Editorial Boards. Seek an editorial board meeting at your local newspaper to discuss housing authority initiatives and issues, particularly state funding and the importance of safe and decent housing to the community. An editorial board meeting is an effec‑tive way of telling the positive story of public housing, its programs and the residents it serves. Encourage a candid dialogue with edi‑tors and reporters and explain that you are available to answer any questions they may have.

5. Op-ed columns and letters to the editor. Consider writing and submitting op‑ed columns on important housing issues and Letters to the Editor on issues affecting your authority, especially when there is a need to respond to unfavorable news coverage or editorials. A newspaper will almost certainly publish a Letter to the Editor as long as it meets its guidelines on length.

6. Handling media calls. Establish a policy for responding to media inquiries. Return media calls in a timely manner, and be truthful. In most cases, the Executive Director will be the most appropriate spokesperson for the authority, but make other staff members available when appropriate in order to assist in develop‑ment of a positive news story.

7. What to do when you get the bad news call. Be responsive

and truthful, but don’t panic! Think carefully about what you wish to say. If you are caught off‑guard by a reporter’s call that could result in a negative story, politely ask if you can get back to them. That gives you time to consult with your staff and your board on preparing a response that won’t make things worse. Make sure you call the reporter back in a timely manner; this will help ensure that your side of the story is told in the article. If a story is published that contains inaccurate or unfair information, promptly respond in the form of a Letter to the Editor. Don’t allow a negative story to fester! Do everything you can to keep it a one‑day story.

8. Love it or hate it, the social media are here to stay. New media forums such as blogs, as well as social media outlets like Facebook, can be a potential source of misinformation. Monitor them closely and respond when needed. Use the social media to your advantage. Consider establishing a Facebook page for your housing authority. Many of your tenants are on Facebook so this can be an effective means of communicating with them, as well as the community at large.

MassNAHRO strongly encourages member agencies to take advantage of these services as we try to get out the message that public housing is a cost‑effective provider of affordable housing services and a substantial benefit to your communities. Agencies that want assistance should either call MassNAHRO or contact Glenn Briere directly at (617) 947‑1240 and gbcantab@rocketmail.com.

Massachusetts Public Housing Administrator Training & Certification

(MPHA)

Financial ElementsTeresa Ewald, CPA

Maintenance & ModernizationGene Capoccia

October 18 Taunton H.A.

PersonnelAtty. Jeffrey L. Driscoll

November 4 Auburn H.A.

The Occupancy CycleAtty. Karen Ahlers

December 6 Springfield H.A.

For information including registration materials visit the 'Upcoming Events' page at www.massnahro.org

October 20116

Get Out The VoteElect Steve Merritt NAHRO Sr. VP!NAHRO Election Ballots Sent Sept. 28Voting Open through Oct. 17

Difficult times call for serious leadership, and Steve Mer‑ritt is serious about leading this industry through the next few challenging years. If you haven’t already, please cast your vote for Steve. He believes in NAHRO’s mission of member service, professional education, and advocacy. He is com‑mitted to the objective he shares with his colleagues in New England and the country of providing and preserving safe, decent and affordable housing to low‑income people. The Association is strong through its members and, with Steve in office, will have a strong leader. If New England gets all of its votes out, we will elect Steve our next National Senior Vice President!

How to Vote: All registered NAHRO Associates should have received an e‑mail on Wednesday, September 28 from “NAHRO Election Coordinator (NAHROvote@directvote.net)” with subject line “Vote for NAHRO President and Senior Vice President: 2011‑2013 Term.” The text of the e‑mail, shown below, includes a unique member number and E‑signature and a link to access the ballot.

The NAHRO election is now open and will remain open through Oct 17, 2011 11:59:00 PM Central Daylight Time. To cast your vote, please login using your unique credentials:

Member Number: 123456E‑Signature (your election passcode): ABCDEFG

Go to:https://www.directvote.net/NAHRO/

Candidate information is available on the on‑line ballot or at http://www.nahro.org/2011-nahro-election-central

For technical support call 952‑974‑2339 or:mailto:support@directvote.net

For other questions call: NAHRO Membership at 877‑866‑2476, ext. 7230 or email: tjackson@nahro.org.

If you do not have a valid e‑mail address registered with NAHRO, you will receive a paper ballot. If you do not re-ceive either an electronic or paper ballot, contact NAHRO at 877‑866‑2476 ext. 7230 or tjackson@nahro.org.

2011 Fall Conference Session Summary Topics planned as of October 1.

Check the website periodically for updates.

Monday, November 14 DHCD Technical Assistance Center General Session: DHCD Overview and Beacon Hill Update CPS/CIPS Workshop ‑ Getting the Job Done On‑line Public Employee Discipline and Due Process Time Management for Agency Staff Tenant Participation Regulations ‑ What They Really Say Records Disposition Requirements for LHAs Key Elements of Good Public Relations Policies Review and Update of Your Management Plan MassNAHRO Members Networking Reception

Tuesday, November 15 DHCD Technical Assistance Center HUD’s New Physical Needs Assessment Protocol ‑ The Green PHA Open Meeting Hazards ‑ Board Member Legal Exposure Don’ts Emergency Response Plans for the Unexpected HUD Office of Public Housing Management Update Key Elements of a Sound Preventive Maintenance Program Legal Issue Roundtable Reducing Fraud in Public Assistance Programs Bernie Madoff vs. Mother Theresa ‑ An Unconventional Ethics Workshop Small Agency Issues and Operations Roundtable Commissioners Committee: Board Member Responsibilities

Legislative Action CenterMassNAHRO has a new Legislative Action Center located on its

website. The Legislative Action Center expands on the “Legislative Alert” emails MassNAHRO sends asking members to take action on a particular bill or issue. Once in the Action Center, members can edit prewritten letters and instantly send them to their legislators.

We’ve made it as easy as 1, 2 3...1. Read MassNAHRO’s Legislative Alert and become familiar

with current legislation.2. Enter in your zip‑code to distinguish your legislators and

elected officials.3. Review the letter, click send and you’re done!It’s easy to advocate for public housing. Go to www.massnahro.

org to see all the capabilities of the Legislative Action Center, includ‑ing a list of current bills MassNAHRO is tracking, information on state legislators, state officials, and members of Congress. A Media Center is also included in the new system, listing the newspapers that serve each community and access to send a letter to the editor directly from the website. Email Mike Lazdowsky at mlazdowsky@massnahro.org with any questions.

October 2011 7

CLASSIFIEDSExecutive Director

The Dracut Housing Authority seeks qualified/experienced ap‑plicants to fill the position of Executive Director. The Authority is responsible for 221 public housing units and 68 Section 8 vouch‑ers. Public housing includes 44 units of Federal Public Housing (elderly/disabled), 133 units of 667 State Public housing (elderly/disabled), 36 units of 705 family housing, and 8 units of 689 spe‑cial needs. Policy direction for the Authority is provided by a five member Board of Commissioners The candidate should possess an understanding and knowledge of HUD/DHCD regulations and procedures, Massachusetts procurement and open meeting laws, a strong background in Public housing administration and personnel management, excellent organizational, oral/written communica‑tion and computer skills. Minimum qualifications should include a bachelor’s degree or four (4) years in public housing administra‑tion or a closely related field. Applicant must have Public Housing Management certification or the ability to receive such certification within one year. Salary based on HUD/DHCD guidelines and com‑mensurate with experience. Benefits, retirement plan and pleasant office environment. Applicant must be bondable and shall be subject to CORI (criminal offender Records information). Applications will be accepted through October 7, 2011. Equal Opportunity Employ‑ment. Please send resume to:

Kenneth R. Martin, Chairman Dracut Housing Authority Post Office Box 372 Dracut, MA. 01826

Executive Director The Chelsea H.A, a high performing agency in both public hous‑ing and Section 8 seeks qualified/experienced applicants to fill the position of Executive Director. The Authority is responsible for management of both state and federal public housing units, Section 8 rental assistance, state rental assistance (MRVP/AHVP), ROSS and FSS. Policy direction for the Authority is provided by a five member Board of Commissioners. The candidate should possess an understanding and knowledge of HUD/DHCD /ADA regulations and procedures, Massachusetts procurement and open meeting laws, a strong background in public housing administration and personnel management, excellent organizational, oral/written communication and computer skills. In addition, must have demonstrated ability to work in a multi‑cultural setting. Minimum qualifications should include a bachelor’s degree or five (5) years in public housing ad‑ministration or a closely related field. Applicant must have Public Housing Management certification or the ability to receive such certification within one (1) year. Applicant must be bondable and shall be subject to CORI (criminal offender records information). Salary commensurate with experience. Benefits, retirement plan and pleasant office environment. Applications will be accepted through October 27, 2011. Equal Opportunity Employment. Please send resume to:

Henry Cordero, Chairman Chelsea Housing Authority 54 Locke Street Chelsea, MA 02150

Housing Director The Marlborough Community Development Authority – Housing Division (MCDA‑HD) is seeking an experienced housing admin‑istrator with knowledge of HUD and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) regulations. The Director is responsible for the effective daily operation of the public hous‑ing facilities and housing assistance programs administered by the MCDA‑HD. The MCDA‑HD manages 227 units of state aided elderly/disabled housing (Chapter 667;) 12 units of special needs housing (Chapter 689); 7 units of state MRVP Vouchers; 1 unit of state AHVP. In addition, MCDA‑HD administers 135 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in business adminis‑tration, public administration, or closely related field preferred. A minimum of four years’ experience in housing, community devel‑opment, public administration, or a closely related field required. Knowledge of principles and practices of housing management, finances, and maintenance systems required. Excellent written and verbal communication skills required. Knowledge of laws regulating state and federal housing programs required. Experience working with people of various socio‑economic backgrounds. Certification as a Public Housing Manager or ability to obtain within one year is required. Must be bondable and pass a criminal history check. Minimum work hours are 37.5 hours per week. Salary range in ac‑cordance with DHCD Salary Schedule. Interested applicants may submit a resume and cover letter to:

Search Committee, Marlborough CDA – Housing Division255 Main Street, Suite 212Marlborough, MA 01752.

(No electronic submittals accepted.) Review of resumes begins October 4, 2011. The Marlborough CDA‑Housing Division is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Board Member Certification Program

Professional RelationshipsSaturday, October 15

Atty. Jeffrey L. DriscollRevere H.A. - 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

EthicsSaturday, November 5Atty. Jeffrey L. Driscoll

Revere H.A. - 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Attendance carries credits towards Board Member Certification.For information including registration materials visit the

‘Upcoming Events’ page at www.massnahro.org

October 2011

Massachusetts ChapterNational Association of

Housing & Redevelopment Officials11 Beacon Street, Suite 722

Boston, MA 02108617-367-0008

www.massnahro.org

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

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a r trainings, conferences & events…

JANUARY 22-242012 NERC/NAHRO Mid-Winter Conference & ExhibitionNewport Marriott, Newport, RISave the date!

NOVEMBER 14-152011 Fall ConferenceFour Points Sheraton by NorwoodRegistration materials are available at www.massnahro.org! Be sure to make your room reservations by October 23!

OCTOBER 18Massachusetts Public Housing Administrator (MPHA) CertificationTopic: Financial Elements/Maintenance & ModernizationTaunton Housing AuthorityTeresa Ewald, CPA and Gene Capoccia will present! Visit www.massnahro.org to register!

OCTOBER 15Board Member Certification ProgramTopic: Professional RelationshipsRevere Housing AuthorityAtty. Jeffrey L. Driscoll will present! Visit www.massnahro.org to register today!

NOVEMBER 4Massachusetts Public Housing Administrator Certification (MPHA)Topic: PersonnelAuburn Housing AuthorityVisit www.massnahro.org to register!

NOVEMBER 5Board Member Certification ProgramTopic: EthicsRevere Housing AuthorityAtty. Jeffrey L. Driscoll will present! Visit www.massnahro.org to register today!