It’s frightening to think that Al Gore has gotten support for his Presidential Campaign. Why? Well... there are several reasons... but the one we’ll focus on today is the fact that he was recently declared a “slumlord.” Yes, folks... the good ol’ U.S. of A. is dangerously close to being under the wing of someone who can’t even follow through with repair requests.
Tracy Mayberry and her family pay $400.00 a month for a home they rent from Gore in Carthage. Mayberry told a CBS television affiliate in Nashville, NewsChannel 5 that she was given an eviction notice by Gore's property managers after they complained about plumbing problems. In the interview with CBS, she publicly denounced Gore as “slumlord”.
Mayberry said she later received a telephone call from Gore, after the story ran, in which the vice president said he had not been aware of the situation. Apparently, the report was the first our likely Democratic nominee heard of the problem.
Gore said he hadn't talked to Mayberry since Saturday when he “had a very nice conversation” with her in which he apologized for the problem. On Monday after the story ran, he told reporters he “took action to make sure that it will be solved and it will be.”
James Bass, Gore's Carthage attorney, said the eviction notice was rescinded by Gore when he learned of the situation. (Amazing what a little media can do!) “The family is not being evicted,” he added. “I offered to assist them in finding a place to stay while the work is being done and began making inquiries immediately. The family will not have to pay rent while the work is being done and are welcome to move back in when the work is completed.”
Mayberry says she is putting her furniture in storage, sending her children to live with relatives, and she and her husband may live in her truck. “It ain't worth the aggravation.” she said.
Published: July 13, 2000
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Editor's Note: This article reflects the opinions of Kate Kemp only and not necessarily the views of this or any other publication, organization or Website owner.
