In a recent debate, Democratic candidate for Congress Max Linn disagreed with Mayor Bob Hackworth’s statement that a bill recently passed by the House and Senate and signed by the President—the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008—was a “great bill.” Hackworth said the bill wisely addressed the urgent need to do something about the growing number of housing foreclosures, declining economic markets, and concerns over the stability of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

“Max Linn is wrong in criticizing this historic piece of legislation. It shows his lack of understanding of both the housing foreclosure crisis and the fact that it is worth celebrating that our leaders in Congress finally acted in a way that worked through the complexities of the multiple and legitimate needs of different constituencies to craft a comprehensive legislative response that works for all Americans,” said Hackworth. “Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) personified the type of nonpartisan and constructive leadership essential for our system to function in order to solve our nation’s problems.”

In an earlier press release, Hackworth criticized Congressman Bill Young who voted against the bill.

According to Hackworth, in addition to the modernization of FHA and the shoring up of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the bill establishes a strong regulator of Fannie and Freddie, will keep over 400,000 families from losing their homes through foreclosure, provides almost $4 billion for local government neighborhood stabilization plans, and creates a permanent affordable housing trust fund.

Mayor Hackworth commented, “When we see our national leaders taking positive collective action, it is important to recognize it and express our appreciation.”