The Rent is Too Damn High

Is that too old of a reference? I remember when it was a YouTube song hit from Shmoyoho. Anyway, it doesn’t seem so funny anymore. I do believe it is getting worse for renters and that the more we allow corporate interests to have domination over housing investments, the worse it will become. It’s time to get hands on about this.

“The government doesn’t build housing.” Yeah, because no one has the guts to do it. They are too afraid to fail, and despite how often you’ll hear the word “management” this year, most would rather pay a contractor for projects and avoid responsibility, which comes at a high cost. However, governments are afforded certain privileges such as the ability to sell bonds. Someone with vision could lead the development of the projects they will fund, and even land acquisition. Speaking of land acquisition, while a mutually agreeable sale is preferred because it allows for more options, eminent domain is an option for affordable and low income housing projects.

See here’s the deal folks; let’s cut the malarkey. The government always has the power to build housing, it chooses not to. I don’t care what anyone tells me. I can be a homeowner, but at the end of the day my property taxes remind me I’m basically paying rent. So, if whomever is on the next council agrees with me, and you can make sure they do even if it takes a write-in campaign, here’s what a Dastra Administration is going to do:

1) We will open a bond program for first dibs to City-residents to invest in—preferably down to increments of $100 so it is accessible to the masses—because while bonds are debt service, we can make sure that service is to local residents, not big banks. Then we will open it to the surrounding Lancaster Inter-Municipal Committee (LIMC) communities, if necessary, and then maybe the County residents, but this is not for envisioned for businesses. This is me saying, “Put your money where your mouth is, you’ll get a guaranteed return, and in a best case scenario our projects can offset tax increases to pay for the bond payments to residents. You as the investor cannot lose, and this is development our community wants.”

If the conditions of certain developments are right, the City could engage in housing development without concern for affordability. While we need affordable housing, we need to be mindful we are playing their game and we’re playing so our residents win. That means when we get the financial return, it pays the residents who invested in the bonds for the first decade, and after that, it can be invested in more housing—it all stays local. It doesn’t go to faceless entities who just want to make money from the need to be housed. With this we can systematically invest in the growth of our community—FOR DECADES—and make it so that our existing residents can directly benefit long-term from this investment in development.

2) We are going to start requiring rent disclosures with rental permits of the maximum rent they will charge for the life of that permit, which currently varies but is less than 5 years. This will build a database of rents, and as valued we can make sure to have information like unit type as it will be marketed and leased. This data will then later be used to determine whether significant rent increases are justified and make sure a tenant doesn’t get gouged.

3) We will enact our own version of the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act so that as residential developments might change hands, it allows the residents to form a collective ownership, and keep our value local. A single family house is not the only way to own a piece of Lancaster—we must diversify these options to build community equity.

4) We will enact some form of rent control. I recognize rent control in its purest form is not workable—especially in turbulent markets—but people deserve some assurance. We need rent control that allows for reasonable inflationary and market increases, accounting for depreciation, and making it illegal for a landlord to just evict someone just to increase rent unreasonably. Large rent increases should accompany reasonable investment, in my opinion. If I’m Mayor, the City is getting hands on about this—as long as the Democratic Council lets me.

If the federal government is as bad as we report it to be, then there’s not going to be many more grants. If this nation is truly going into oligarchy, then we have to quickly advance an agenda that opens the doors of prosperity to the middle class. If the housing is really in crisis, then you better believe I’m going to declare a state of emergency on day one to permit the swift passage and effectiveness of the bills we will draft. If we can’t count of the federal government, and even the State if things get worse, then we can only count on ourselves.

People ask me why I am running for Mayor and not Council, especially because I’d probably win a seat on Council. The reason is because we desperately need someone at the helm with the will for these big visions, and I have the full intention on seeing them through as long so long as they remain necessary. I don’t plan on being a one-term Mayor, at least not of my own choice.

Anyway, get yourself a Mayor who doesn’t keep the security deposit. Some of you candidates and officials say “crisis,” but you don’t act like it. Where’s the urgency? We’ve been having this conversation since at least the 1993 Comprehensive Plan.

I recognize this is a massive shift from the norm around here, but as the kids say, I’m ten toes in when I’m standing on business. I refuse to allow the City to kick this can down the road any longer and act helpless. I want a Strong Town.

-Tony Dastra

Speak Up: Don’t Privatize Public Property Sales

If we want to change how we sell public land, if we want to expedite Council’s ability to take part in private sale, let’s start with a community conversation—not a vote. Just like we did with Short-Term Rental legislation.

Tonight, at 6:30PM, 120 N Duke St, Lancaster City Council will vote on Administrative Bill No. 03-2025—a proposal that would change how the City sells public property, allowing future sales to happen through private real estate brokers instead of public bidding or auction.

I believe Council should either table or reject this bill. If we’re going to expand the City’s power to sell public land outside of traditional channels, that decision deserves a broader conversation—with you. Not just a resolution for each sale, but a public process rooted in transparency and community trust.

I’ve already made my position clear on this bill. I believe that when we sell public land, the process should stay as public as possible. The current system might not be perfect, but it keeps things out in the open. It forces elected officials to make the case in daylight, not behind closed doors. Projects not getting good bids like the Station Six sale have stirred up frustration within the administration—but rather than improving community engagement and updating the Zoning Code to get better projects, they’ve gone right to giving up on public process. This bill allows the government to sidestep it almost entirely; the interface is minimal. It privatizes public property sale, and maybe the assistance of realtor could be useful, but not without caution.

I have a prior commitment tonight and may not be able to get there before the vote. And honestly? That’s okay. Because this isn’t about me.

What Council needs to hear—loudly and clearly—is how you feel about this shift in power and process. If you believe the public should have a stronger voice in decisions about public land, then tonight is your night to show up and speak.

It’s your city. Your neighborhoods. Your future. And your voice carries more weight than you know.

Thank you for your attention,

Tony Dastra

P.S. I’ll try to arrive as soon as I can. Thanks for understanding.

A Fire That Builds: Easter Reflections from the City of Gold

To the People of the City of Lancaster,

You may not celebrate Easter, but I just experienced my first Holy Week with Bethel AME, and I want to share something with you.

One of the most misunderstood and misused books of the Bible, is also one of my favorites: the Book of Jeremiah. In it, I find words that resonate deeply with my calling, my doubts, and my mission. I return often to this passage, Jeremiah 1:5-10, The Call of Jeremiah:

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

“Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’

You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.

Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.

Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”

The Lord knew me before I was formed in the womb. He knew my mother had a choice, and still, He sent me forth with fire in my lungs and purpose in my heart.

It is a holy fire, not meant to burn the city down, but to refine it. To make it clean. To challenge what needs to be torn down, and to lay the foundation for what must be built up.

I know what some say: that I’m a reactionary clown. I don’t fault them. They are united in their hatred for me, and I welcome it. It is not easy to see what’s directly beneath your feet and in your hands when you’re taught to look elsewhere. But I see it clearly; the City of Gold isn’t a legend. It’s not far away. It’s right here in Lancaster. It’s in our people, our stories, our neighborhoods. It’s in the fire we carry together.

That’s why I turn also to the Gospel of Matthew 5:14-16:

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Lancaster, we are the light of the world.

There will be no bowl covering this place. We will not cower. We will not bend the knee to fear or threats about losing federal or state funds. Our decisions will not be made under the shadow of fear, but in the light of faith—in each other, in this city, and in the work we must do.

We will show the world the strength of our community. And yes, all will bear witness to the great things we can achieve together.

Whether or not you celebrated Easter this weekend, I hope you have peace. I’m grateful to be part of your community. Thank you for being part of mine, no matter where you are from, because as Philippians 3:20 tells us, “But our [true] citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

With fire and faith,

Tony Dastra, the next Mayor of Lancaster

🛑 Oppose Administrative Bill 3 — Public Land Deserves Public Input

On April 22nd, Lancaster City Council will vote on a major policy change: Administrative Bill 03-2025, which would allow the City to sell public land through licensed real estate brokers instead of through public bids or auctions.

The bill’s supporters say it gives Lancaster more flexibility. But here’s the problem: flexibility without accountability opens the door to favoritism, speculation, and gentrification.

Under this ordinance, the Mayor could recommend properties for sale, and Council could approve each deal through simple resolutions—without requiring robust public input, clear criteria, or community benefit agreements.

And here’s the kicker: A staggering 42% of City-owned land is concentrated in Southeast Lancaster, the very neighborhoods that have endured decades of disinvestment, racial segregation, and harmful land use policy. These 108 acres represent our public wealth, our chance to invest in affordable housing, green space, and long-term community good—not quick flips for short-term cash.

We mapped the data. It’s clear.

A digital copy of a flyer Tony created. The image is linked to a PDF you can download and distribute.

• The Southeast has almost half the City’s public land holdings.

• These neighborhoods need more public trust, not less.

• Selling public land behind closed doors only deepens the pain of past policy failures.

Lancaster’s new Home Rule powers should be used to empower communities, not sidestep them. Any public land sale should meet equity-based criteria, include community voice, and ensure the land is used for the public good.

That’s why I’m asking you to join me in calling on City Council to vote NO on Administrative Bill 3.

We can—and must—do better.

🗓 Mark your calendar: City Council Vote – April 22nd, 2025
📍 Attend in person or send public comment
📧 Email your Councilors and tell them: NO to Bill 3. YES to public accountability.

Here are the email addresses for the members of the Lancaster City Council:

• Amanda Bakay (President): abakay@cityoflancasterpa.gov

• (RUNNING FOR MAYOR) Jaime Arroyo (Vice President): jarroyo@cityoflancasterpa.gov

• (RUNNING FOR MAYOR) Janet Diaz: jdiaz@cityoflancasterpa.gov

• (RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION) Ahmed Ahmed: aahmed@cityoflancasterpa.gov

• (RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION) Lochard Calixte: lcalixte@cityoflancasterpa.gov

• Faith Craig: fcraig@cityoflancasterpa.gov

• John Hursh: jhursh@cityoflancasterpa.gov​

For general inquiries or to submit public comments, you can also contact:

• City Clerk Bernie Harris: bharris@cityoflancasterpa.gov

Let’s protect Lancaster’s future—together.

—
Tony Dastra
Candidate for Mayor of Lancaster
Neighbor. Researcher. Public Servant.

Draft Legislation to Create a Community Police Review Board

To the People of the City of Lancaster,

Maybe I am a reactionary. But if reacting to the voices of the Public and a clear desire for transparency makes me one—so be it.

After hearing from residents and the presentations from the administration, I see no reason why we shouldn't be working—right now—to improve the relationship between the community and the police. Even if that relationship exists only in an advisory capacity. Because Lancaster deserves more than closed doors and quiet nods—it deserves real dialogue.

The Community Police Review Board proposal I’ve put forward doesn’t have to be adopted word-for-word. I welcome debate, edits, and ideas. What matters is that we begin. This draft creates a foundation—a structure where the Police and the People can sit together, review use-of-force cases, and build toward transparency and public trust.

If you support this idea, I’m asking you to add your name. Let City Council know you want them to review this proposal and take action. Let them know you believe our community deserves a voice—not just when something goes wrong, but before it happens again.

Those in power who seek to continue to lead Lancaster have a chance—right now—to prove they believe in transparency, accountability, and shared civic responsibility.

📣 Help bring the Community Police Review Board to life.

✍️ Add your name. Demand action. ✍️

Public Safety works best when the Public is part of the process.

Tony Dastra Announces Candidacy for Mayor of Lancaster

A Civic-Minded Vision Rooted in Public Service and Municipal Experience

A photo of Tony Dastra wearing his iconic hat

LANCASTER, PA – Tony Dastra, a longtime civic advocate and public servant, has officially announced his candidacy for Mayor of Lancaster. With years of hands-on municipal experience and a deep connection to Lancaster’s neighborhoods, Dastra promises a new era of people-powered government rooted in transparency, accessibility, and common sense reform.

“I'm running for mayor because I believe Lancaster is ready for a civic-minded leader—someone who understands the full depth of how a municipality can operate and who puts public service before politics,” says Dastra. “My strength comes from the People of Lancaster that I’ve served, the People I’ve worked with, and the belief that we must run government like a government, not like a business.”

Dastra has applied himself in recent years as an employee at Lancaster Township, not only assisting the Public Works Department—getting hands on with Communications, MS4, Traffic Data, GIS Mapping, and Grant Writing, but Dastra has also aided the Township in assembling the first single-use plastic regulations in Central Pennsylvania. He has served on the Home Rule Study Commission and remains a member of the Planning Commission, having both helped to draft our City Charter, and Comprehensive Plan. A tireless advocate for infrastructure reform, public access to information, and municipal strength. His campaign platform emphasizes housing equity, ethical policing, environmental stewardship, and transportation.

“I’m not entering this race because I think I might be a better option,” says Dastra. “I’m running because I know I’m the most qualified person to lead Lancaster into its next chapter. I’ve walked these streets, listened to families, and worked hard to understand the municipal organism. I’ve made so much impact here in Lancaster City through sheer force of will and sacrifice. Imagine the magnification of that work when I serve the People in the city’s highest role; when that work becomes my job.”

Among Dastra’s bold policy ideas are establishing a civilian aid program to address community concerns and traffic control without over-reliance on armed policing or having staffing issues for crossing guards; evaluating the role of the Lancaster Parking Authority to determine if it would be better if reintegrated to City operations; and exploring tech-forward innovations like a municipal stable token to reduce transaction fees that leave the City and give residents an option to save with municipal bills, and potentially eliminate credit card fees generally in the City of Lancaster through broader adoption amongst the business community. 

Dastra, who is running as a Green Party Candidate, says his campaign will remain focused on elevating voices across Lancaster, especially in under-represented neighborhoods. “This isn’t about party lines—it’s about people. It’s about ensuring that the power of government always stays with the whole public. I’m asking the people of Lancaster City to lend me their power.”