Md. Councilman Stands By Comments On Affordable Housing

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- An Anne Arundel County councilman is standing by his comments that people shouldn't live in his jurisdiction if they can't afford it.

Councilman John Grasso says people seeking government assistance are "freeloaders" who often use their children "as a crutch to describe laziness."

Grasso spoke Thursday with The Capital following a Monday council meeting during which he said he had no sympathy for people who had testified about how they've benefited from affordable housing.

Looking at one resident, he said: "My heart doesn't go out to you -- it just doesn't."

At the meeting, the council passed a measure limiting where affordable housing can go in the county.

Grasso says those seeking assistance need to work harder, save their money, and if they can't afford to live in the county, they shouldn't.
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Information from: The Capital, http://www.capitalgazette.com/