? A policy coordinator for the Housing and Community Development Network is asking the governor to appoint an advisor to deal with what the group calls a lack of affordable housing for New Jersey residents.

New Jersey is the fourth most expensive state in the nation to rent a home. Officials say the problem cuts across all income levels. Edison resident Edgar Basil says he makes ?good money? as an engineer for a utility company, but says he has nothing left after paying almost $1,000 rent for his one-bedroom apartment, plus utilities.

Governor Jon S. Corzine (D-NJ) has already embraced a proposal to double rental assistance to low-income families, but housing advocates say his work is not done.