Journalist and noted curmudgeon H.L. Menken once observed, "For every complex problem, there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong."

Such is the case with claims we're seeing recently that investment in affordable homeownership triggered the current global fiscal crisis.

This is the latest of several quick bios we'll blog of speakers scheduled to appear at the Vermont Statewide Housing Conference, Nov. 18 in South Burlington.

Read about other speakers scheduled to present at the event and register to attend at the conference Web site.

Pre-registrations for the Nov. 18 Vermont Statewide Housing Conference are past 350 now, and workshops are beginning to fill up.

State Housing Policy reached capacity this morning. It's the second workshop to fill up after The Economy and Housing, which maxed out a few weeks ago.

There's still room in plenty of compelling sessions, but register now to be sure to get your pick.

Bring a non-perishable food good to the Nov. 18 Vermont Statewide Housing Conference, and drop it off at the registration desk.

All donations will benefit the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf, the largest food shelf in Vermont, serving more than 10,000 people a year.