What do you for an encore after winning 31 consecutive games on the “Jeopardy!” game show? For Jamie Ding, his first appearance following his newfound television stardom came alongside New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill to advocate for affordable housing.
WHYY reports Ding’s appearance was occupational – he works as a multifamily and tax credit program administrator at the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency. Ding accompanied Sherrill yesterday during a press event when she signed an executive order directing state agencies to identify state-owned land and property that could be developed into new housing.
“I’m tempted to try to say something really profound and esoteric and I guess here it is — housing is good,” Ding said, adding “One thing I’ve learned from being on ‘Jeopardy!’ … it’s such a hospitable environment that the show creates for its contestants and for its audience and you just feel welcome there. And that’s what I really want for everyone — everyone to feel welcome. And here in New Jersey, we’ve done a great job, but this executive order will help make things better, I think.”
Sherrill pointed to her state’s housing shortage by declaring, “We have to make it easier to build more homes, to boost supply and bring prices down. Like empty lots close to transit hubs where people want to live because it’s easy to get to work. I want to see homes built there. And we’re going to take an inventory of existing housing that’s affordable and make sure that people know how to apply.”
Photo of Jamie Ding on “Jeopardy!” courtesy of Jeopardy Productions Inc.
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