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Date: 6/6/2022
WARREN – Maryanne Potrzuski, a tenant, has made several improvements to the Warren Housing Authority (WHA) since her recent appointment. Additionally, the WHA recognized the organization of a Local Tenant Organization (LTO).
Potrzuski, who has lived in the WHA for three years, was appointed to the board on December 16, 2021. She explained that a new law was passed and put into effect in January 2021, that says all housing authorities need to be made up of three elected officers: two that are appointed by the town and one that is appointed by the state. With this new law, she said they also need one town tenant to serve as a board member.
As the only tenant interested in joining the board, Potrzuski was appointed.
In addition to the new law, Potrzuski explained that if a seat on the board were to become available through an election or any other reason, then a tenant would fill that seat. After a board member passed away, Potrzuski took on the position.
“I’m learning a lot in being on the Board of Commissioners,” said Potrzuski. Two years ago she ran for this position in the election, as she said she was interested in learning why they didn’t recognize an LTO. During the time she was supposed to be campaigning, Potrzuski said she contracted COVID-19 and landed in the hospital, followed by an at-home recovery. Due to this, she was unable to campaign until a month before the election.
“I only lost by 23 votes,” said Potrzuski. She told Reminder Publishing that if she had been able to campaign more, she believes she could have won.
Aside from serving on the board, Potrzuski is also president of the WHA LTO. “I represent [the] tenants,” she said. Every month she hosts meetings and is “active” in her role, she added.
The WHA LTO includes all tenants. Potrzuski said there is no fee to be a part of the organization, and no one is required to do anything. Whether they go to one meeting or 15, Potrzuski said they are always welcome.
Now balancing both positions, Potrzuski said when she attends the board meetings, she only wears her Board of Commissioner hat. “I can’t get involved with LTO,” such as the budget and more, she said, although she is able to ask questions.
As a Board of Commissioner, Potrzuski described herself as “very transparent” in the role, as she represents elderly, homeless, displaced human beings and more.
“We need residents to know what happens up on the hill,” said Potrzuski. “The housing authority is literally on the hill.”
Potrzuski said that for most tenants, the WHA is their last home. Therefore, she said, “We should know what’s going on here.”
For other residents in town, Potrzuski said some may need the WHA facility for themselves, parents or grandparents down the road.
“Warren Housing Authority is beautiful,” she said. “Its way set up in the woods, on the hill… it’s probably one of the prettiest [housing authorities] I have seen.”
Potrzuski said she has personally worked on WHA buildings, along with her own. This includes gardening, adding shrubbery, flowers and maintaining the landscaping. Since beautifying the outdoor space, Potrzuski has noticed more tenants taking interest in moving here.
“It’s really becoming a community and that’s why I wanted to become involved in a more efficient capacity,” she said.
Prior to her appointment to the board, Potrzuski said, “One thing that had not happened in 30 years [was that they] never had board meetings televised.” She said that televising the meetings is a mandate under the law.
“[We] have tenants that can’t come or can’t sit” for long periods of time, said Potrzuski. “They don’t have to anymore. They can turn on channel 12 and watch [the meeting]” from their homes. Potrzuski encourages Warren residents to watch the meetings as they can also be found on the Friends of Warren Facebook page and on YouTube.
Potrzuski explained that with any changes to the WHA, the LTO and board need to be notified with documentation, in addition to talking with the tenants.
“The board has been very open in doing this,” she said. She added that they have been recognizing the LTO and “doing a great job.” While some of the board members have been there for 20 years, Potrzuski said she is “hopeful to see change.” She encourages residents to run for these positions, to provide new ideas and make those changes.
Since her appointment, she said, “Things are being done more transparent and inclusive.”
As she continues her work on the WHA and LTO, Potrzuski said she is looking forward to creating more communication between everyone and making the board more accessible to individuals.
Potrzuski will serve a three-year term, to expire in May 2025. She said most terms are five years, however since she replaced someone, she is carrying out their term.
“I decided that retirement shouldn’t be sitting in a chair,” said Potrzuski. “No matter how old you get, you can still get involved in this.”
By assisting several tenants, Potrzuski said her goal is to make a difference and make everyone feel seen. “It starts where you live,” she said.