Sunday, January 11, 2009

Former HUD Secretary Jack Kemp Diagnosed With Cancer

Jack Kemp, former Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has cancer according to news reports.

Kemp, 73, was HUD secretary for former President George H.W.Bush from 1989 to 1993 after serving 18 years in the House of Representatives representing the Buffalo area. Kemp played professional football for 13 years where he won two championships as quarterback for the Buffalo Bills in the American Football League (AFL). Kemp was also former Senator Robert Dole’s vice presidential nominee during their failed attempt to capture the White Housing in 1996.

No announcement was made on the form of cancer he is battling or when treatment will begin.

HUD Nominee Hearing Set

Shaun Donovan , President-Elect Barack Obama’s choice as Secretary-Designate for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, is scheduled to appear January 13 before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. The committee and ultimately the full Senate must approve Donovan’s nomination. Chaired by Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), the committee, and eventually the entire Senate, is expected to approve Donovan’s nomination.

Houston Housing Authority Receives S&P Rating

The Houston Housing Authority received the second highest rating issued by Standard and Poor’s Credit Rating, “AA”. The rating is reflective of the overall strong management, large waiting list and ability to leverage its resources.

The following factors were reflective of the score:

A well-developed strategic plan with clear goals and objectives;
The agency’s ability to make the most of its resources
The agency’s ability to modernize a majority of its developments over the last 14 years;
The agency’s investment in technological systems which can reduce overhead in the future; and,
The agency’s ability to leverage resources and develop partnerships to revitalize its communities with funds supplemented with equity investments.

Adversely affecting the rating is the agency’s heavy reliance on federal funds which have been reduced over the years.

Interesting Reads

The Importance of Jack Kemp
By Jeffrey Lord
The American Spectator

Walking Away, And What It Leaves Behind
The Wide and Lasting Impact of Quitting a Mortgage

By Alejandro Lazo
The Washington Post

Baltimore mayor indicted on theft, perjury charges
By Ben Nuckols
The Associated Press

Trying to Change Its Face, G.O.P. Weighs a Black Chairman
By Adam Nagourney
The New York Times

Immigrants See Charter Schools as a Haven
By Sara Rimer
The New York Times

Renewing Green Development
New Incentives May Be Needed as Projects Lack Financing

By Steven Mufson
The Washington Post

Citigroup Reaches Deal With Lawmakers on Home Loans
By Reneae Merle and Lori Montgomery
The Washington Post

Nationwide Inquiry on Bids for Municipal Bonds
By Mary Williams Walsh
The New York Times

Kit Bond won't seek 5th term as Missouri senator in 2010
By Tony Messenger
St. Louis Post-Dispatch Jefferson City Bureau

For Pittsburgh, There’s Life After Steel
By David Streitfeld
The Washington Post

Citgo to Continue U.S. Heating Aid After All
By Steven Mufson
The Washington Post

In Intergenerational Program, a Match of a Lifetime
Partnership of Seniors, Children Wins Award

By Julie Rasicot
The Washington Post

Paulson Recommends Nixing Freddie and Fannie
By Zachary A. Goldfarb
The Washington Post

Leaky Roofs and Windows
By Feather O'Connor Houstoun
Governing.com

Rep. Frank Seeks Help For LIHTC Industry
Affordable Housing Finance Magazine

New Voices in Congress Will Change the Tone of the Democratic Majority
By Kate Phillips
The New York Times

To Rid Slums of Drug Gangs, Police in Rio Try War Tactics
By Joshua Partlow
The Washington Post

Fuller Disclosure
HUD's modest step toward a more transparent housing market

The Washington Post Editorial

Some cities dropping criminal-history question
Move intended to help more convicts find work, reduce recidivism

Associated Press

 
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