Lyme seasonal residents’ contributions ignored

 Lyme seasonal residents’ contributions ignored
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2011


The issue of wind turbines in the town of Lyme is stirring emotions and straining logic. In one example, Scott Aubertine, a town supervisor, recently published a blog saying he represents only year-round residents and not seasonal residents, and will ignore the results of the second wind survey. All property owners (year-round and seasonal) were sent a wind survey; the results again showed a town against wind turbines.

He might reconsider his views based on the following:

■ Taking the stance of ignoring the wind survey results goes against his earlier statement that he will abide by its results. The results, no matter how analyzed, show a town against turbines. Whatever happened to “one man, one vote”?

■ We seasonal residents enjoy none of the benefits of the Lyme public school and only a few months of the roads, fire, police, library and other services that year-round residents do, yet we pay just as much in taxes as do year-round residents. Whatever happened to “one man, one vote”?


■ Mr. Aubertine might ask local contractors, landscapers, banks, grocery stores and businesses if seasonal residents support their work, income and families. He might ask what percentage of donations to the Chaumont and Three-Mile Bay Fire Departments, the Chaumont library and charities come from seasonal residents, and whether seasonal residents matter to them.

■ Mr. Aubertine might consider real estate values that will be ruined by destroying the scenic views of Chaumont Bay and resultant reduced real estate tax revenues.

Samuel J. Watson

Alexandria, Va.