SB27 Coming to Vote Expected to Pass

[lawn psycho]

Originally Posted by Bear Islander

However they DO own Lake Winnipesaukee.

You said it, not me

Edit: How are people able to travel to the Broads on Lake Winni without the use of a boat?

[fatlazyless]

Originally Posted by lawn psycho

You said it, not me

Edit: How are people able to travel to the Broads on Lake Winni without the use of a boat?

The most affordable boat for getting onto the Big Lake is most definately a second hand or used kayak. By searching through the New Hampshire classified ads, it is possible to find a nice, usable 14 to 16' long distance kayak for about $250 to 500. Beginner kayaks, which run about nine feet long can be found for as low as 100-dollars. By virtue of not needing a trailer, engine, gasoline or boater's insurance, it makes a kayak the least expensive way to get out onto the water.

Another major plus for kayaks is they are FUN to paddle and paddling a kayak provides a lot of exercise. Kayaks give you a feeling of being close to the water which is something you do not get in big, fast boats.

So, here's a question for Lawn Psycho. How does kayaking safety relate to the current battle between the SBoNH and WinnFabs with regard to increasing the speed limit from 45-mph up to 55-mph?

[lawn psycho]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

The most affordable boat for getting onto the Big Lake is most definately a kayak. By searching through the New Hampshire classified ads, it is possible to find a nice, usable 14 to 16' long distance kayak for about $250 to 500. By virtue of not needing a trailer, engine, gasoline or boater's insurance, it makes a kayak the least expensive way to get out onto the water.

Another major feature is that paddling a kayak provides a lot of exercise.

So, here's a question for Lawn Pscho. How does kayaking safety relate to the current battle between the SBoNH and WinnFabs with regard to increasing the speed limit from 45-mph up to 55-mph?

I have a kayak. I also know that many days having a kayak on the broads is a dumb idea when the wind wips up. For that same reason there's days I keep my 22 ft long, 8.5 ft wide bowrider off the water as well.

Kayaks and the SL are not related.

Having any craft out on the lake absent of some form of insurance is risky my opinion. If you have any assets of value then I recommend you talk to your insurance guy about an umbrella policy. I'm not one to throw money away for insurance but when you are on the water with some craft costing $100s of thousands of dollars if you cause an issue you could be up the river without a paddle (sorry, I couldn't resist)

[fatlazyless]

Yes, that's for sure, and it's always good to have a friendly insurance company on your side.

Attention KAYAK INSURANCE. Is there such a policy as kayak, canoe or small non-motorized sailboat insurance. Supposedly, one's homeowner's insurance provides coverage for these small, non-motorized boats but there's always some other and better way in the insurance coverage biz?

As far as kayaks and speed limits not being related, that doesn't seem too safety oriented considering that they both share the same waters and are as about as opposite as can be. One is small, slow, human powered, close to the water, and can be difficult to see, while the other is much bigger, higher and goes much faster, yet they both share the same waters. Sort of like bicycles and cars that share the same road.

[lawn psycho]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

As far as kayaks and speed limits not being related, that doesn't seem too safety oriented considering that they both share the same waters and are as about as opposite as can be. One is small, slow, human powered, close to the water, and can be difficult to see, while the other is much bigger, higher and goes much faster, yet they both share the same waters. Sort of like bicycles and cars that share the same road.

FLL, they don't allow bicycles on highways. Maybe you're on to something

Tell me when was the last time a kayak was run over by a boat on Winni? I'm forgetful.

[Rusty]

It’s funny how not even one business owner supported the bill at the hearing. It’s also funny how several committee members stressed the overwhelming opposition to the bill expressed by the those who live and work in the Lakes Region...I wonder why.

Where is all the support for this Bill. No wonder it’s going down in defeat. Just plan lack of support.

Why didn’t the SBONH and the GFBL boaters have more supporters there. Evidently they have given up.

How about the big debater, why wasn't he there? Never mind he's too busy keeping all of us here in the forum in line.

[Dhuberty24]

Originally Posted by Rusty

It’s funny how not even one business owner supported the bill at the hearing. It’s also funny how several committee members stressed the overwhelming opposition to the bill expressed by the those who live and work in the Lakes Region...I wonder why.

Where is all the support for this Bill. No wonder it’s going down in defeat. Just plan lack of support.

Why didn’t the SBONH and the GFBL boaters have more supporters there. Evidently they have given up.

How about the big debater, why wasn't he there? Never mind he's too busy keeping all of us here in the forum in line.

Because we all work. We are not all retired citizens with to much money and free time.

[lawn psycho]

Originally Posted by Dhuberty24

Because we all work. We are not all retired citizens with to much money and free time.

The reason you did not see more businesses getting involved as some were neutral and some knew it was better to not alienate customers on either side of the issue. I talked to a couple marina owners directly last year who did not open their mouths for just the reasons I mentioned.

I know very well the businesses that supported the SL and they will never see one penny of my money as they have in the past.

Looking at my Four Winns technical manual there is a whole section that lists the fuel usage and top speeds based on prop blade & pitch. There's a reason why Four Winns put that in there as people want boats that have some level performance. This is what sells boats.

To be honest I am suprised the boating industry did not step up and support SB-27 and that kinda of support needs to be looked at in the future. Getting more public awareness in magazines, etc is also paramount. Winni is a fringe market compared to places like Florida, Texas, and California and their lakes.

Having a 45 MPH limi on Winni is like having a 40MPH limit on I-93 IMO. Lower the SL on that stretch that low and the same people who would support a boat SL would be up in arms about the slow highway limit.
Get those same people educated about what it's like on the water as to what is considered fast and the 45 MPH limit would not last one day. WinnFlabs is not successful because they are smarter or more organized than anyone else. They have public perception on their side.

There were people who have not ever owned a boat or even been on the water who thought the SL was a "good idea". In some people's minds they think that's great until that same logic results in legislation that affects them.

What would really help is the "right" person get a ticket for speeding on the lake. I suspect there will never be many tickets written as you can spot MP from a great distance, the sight lines are huge, and there's really no place for them to hide like they do on the highway.

I will have one of my radar detectors onboard this year to get an idea of how often they are clocking people. I suspect it would be a lot of wasted time for MP with minimal results when most boats aren't even going 45 MPH to begin with.

Last year I had a phone conversation with a very well know person from this site with a discussion about rafting and the SL. I told him my real name but did not ID myself as a forum member. He owns waterfront and was under the impression that I was a SL supporter (his assumption, not by me duping him). I have long agonized over revealing what was said but it is very clear that he assumes anyone who is not a waterfront owner is scum of the earth. Given what he sells I am still shocked after what I heard come out of his mouth. I am REALLY close to spilling the beans and probably should have done it long ago. There is a "Z" in his user name.

What I have come to conclude is that the SL is about those who own on the lake and goes beyond safety or public interest.

After having been involved with this forum (since near the very beginning but under my old name) and knowing people's true colors I've lost a lot of respect for people on the water. It's not the opinions that bother me. It's the attitudes that some people have about people's use of the water. I just can not understand why people buy on the water and get upset by people using the lake. If people want to lie and say it's because of wild parties, etc please go tell that story to someone else. I know better.

Maybe some mandatory education attached to deeds for shorefront owners to inform them that boats use the water during the summer is needed before getting the keys would do some good. And the class would be in Berlin, NH and only held on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends

[Rusty]

At the hearing "Two representatives stated that even though they loved speed, Winnipesaukee was not the place to speed. The increase to 55 mph was a 20-percent increase in the speed limit and using the Coast Guard studies, that would increase the danger by 33-percent from the current 45 mph on the entire lake."

[Dhuberty24]

I know this has already been said but, show me stats. In my opinion the lake has always been safe. The only danger I have seen is rental boats and the occasional bone head towing a tuber.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by Dhuberty24

Because we all work. We are not all retired citizens with to much money and free time.

Then maybe when someone takes on a project, i.e. Speed Limit on Lake Winnipesaukee, they should realize that it takes time, energy, sincere support, and money.
That’s how I have done things during my life on this earth.

Just a thought.

[Bear Islander]

Originally Posted by lawn psycho

Tell me when was the last time a kayak was run over by a boat on Winni? I'm forgetful.

The last time I can remember was July 2007 when a power boat cut a kayak in half near Stonedam Island. The kayaker jumped out before the accident and was not injured. However as I remember it, he had considerable cause for embarrassment!

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by Bear Islander

The last time I can remember was July 2007 when a power boat cut a kayak in half near Stonedam Island. The kayaker jumped out before the accident and was not injured. However as I remember it, he had considerable cause for embarrassment!

Wasn't that an unlit kayak at night... with a paddler who forgot his shorts?

[lawn psycho]

Originally Posted by VitaBene

Wasn't that an unlit kayak at night... with a paddler who forgot his shorts?

This is what I am referrring too about liability. People assume a kayak would always have the right of way being human powered. Not having lights and having a vessel strike you opens you up for liability for any damage to the boat.

No lights on a vessel at night on the lake is game over IMO.

[Rusty]

Mary Hutchins has worked real hard to make our beautiful Lake a safe place for everyone.

This well written article is in today's LDS

Reps who voted against SB-27 talked to Lakes Region people

To the editor,

Tuesday the N.H. House Transportation Committee went into executive session to vote on SB-27, which was to increase the speed limits in the" Broads" on Lake Winnipesaukee to 55 mph. Out of 14 actual members voting; 11 opposed SB-27 and three supported it. The total was actually 11 to 6 when 3 "ringers", not hearing any testimony, were added to vote in the vacant seats. Only Rep. Hikel testified to support SB-27 and all 11 who opposed it testified with their reasons.

All 11 opposed to SB-27 felt it was an overwhelming number that testified — opposed SB-27 (7 to 1), as those that came to sign in opposed the bill (11 to 1) . They all reiterated that the overwhelming number opposing SB-27 sent e-mails and phone calls giving their personnel reasons to oppose SB-27, but the supporters had mostly form letters. Two representatives stated that even though they loved speed, Winnipesaukee was not the place to speed. The increase to 55 mph was a 20-percent increase in the speed limit and using the Coast Guard studies, that would increase the danger by 33-percent from the current 45 mph on the entire lake.

It would actually be greater because of human tendencies of feeling it is okay to go 5 to 10 mph above the speed limit. One further stated that the best conditions for speed was exactly the same conditions that swimmers, water skiers, small boats, canoes, kayaks etc… come out very calm days, increasing the danger by pure numbers trying to use the same water.

Reps opposing SB-27 mentioned that they have talked with many of the representatives who surround Lake Winnipesaukee and businesses, with the overwhelming majority opposing SB-27, and support the current law of 45/30 mph on the entire lake. Residents surrounding Lake Winnipesaukee overwhelmingly opposed SB-27, as indicated in a professional poll recently. Some of the veteran representatives reiterated that just last year there was a compromise to increase the speed at night and it was unanimously supported by the bi-partisan committee … all feeling that that was absolutely the final vote for permanent speed limits, 45 mph daytime 30 mph at night on all of Lake Winnipesaukee — no more compromises. Another member stated that with the current financial state of N.H., who was going to pay for the new markers outlining the speed zone and who would pay for the installation and maintenance of them plus the increase in Marine Patrol to patrol that strip of speed. I thought of how many lakes that already have 45/25 speed limits stated that at least 95-percent self patrol themselves with no need to increase patrols on the lake and all tickets that were issued were supported in the courts.

Representative Hikel tried a very last minute amendment to further study the current 45/30 speed limits. It was voted down. He had only received the amendment one hour before the committee meeting and Chair Packard said he had only seen it one-half hour ago, leading many to ask who actually wrote it. After six years, I believe it has been thoroughly studied and discussed in four House committee hearings and votes. The initial RR&D House Committee's supported the 45/25 after three hearings around Lake Winnipesaukee, then a hearing that was so large it was held in the House Chambers. In the past The Transportation Committee has voted to support the 45/25 in 2009 and then the 45/30 just last year . Today's vote made it the fourth time it has passed the committee hearing. The entire House has voted three times to support 45/25 then 45/30 speed limits on Lake Winnipesaukee. It really has been thoroughly vetted through the N.H. legislative process.

Rep Hikel is attempting to represent a small group of go-fast boaters who want to eliminate the speed limits on Lake Winnipesaukee for their personnel indulgence, some having bought their off-shore performance boat after the speed limits had actually passed.

Next week the House will vote on this bill again and hopefully it will support those that listened to over four hours of testimony with no lunch at the hearing that opposed SB-27. Hopefully last year's bi-partisan unanimous vote to compromise the speed limits to 45/30 were permanent and permanent meaning at least more permanent than one year!

Mary Hutchins

Laconia
.

[fatlazyless]

Originally Posted by Rusty

.... to represent a small group of go-fast boaters who want to eliminate the speed limits on Lake Winnipesaukee for their personnel indulgence, some having bought their off-shore performance boat after the speed limits had actually passed.

Buying a go-fast after the speed limits got passed......how's about that? I smell a bargain GO-FAST boat, super-duper second hand, low price deal at work here......big-time! Never underestimate the selling power of a low priced bargain boat, even when making the purchase is totally not practical. Could be that someone fell in love with a boat and could not resist the low price on a second hand cream puff, or something. TOTALLY UNDERSTANDABLE! ....and is there any chance of posting a photo of the bargain boat?

And along the same line of thought, right now what with gasoline close to four dollars/gallon is probably a good time to buy a large, giant super-duper used pickup truck as a tow vehicle to be towing the go-fast down to the freebie public boat launch in Portsmouth on the Piscataqua River to access the atlantic.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Buying a go-fast after the speed limits got passed......how's about that? I smell a bargain boat, super-duper second hand, low price deal at work here. Never underestimate the power of a low price boat, whether making the purchase is totally not practical. Could be that someone fell in love with a boat and could not resist the low price on a second hand cream puff, or something. TOTALLY UNDERSTANDABLE! ....and is there any chance of posting a photo of the bargain boat?

And along the same line of thought, right now what with gasoline close to four dollars/gallon is probably a good time to buy a large used pickup truck as a tow vehicle to be towing the go-fast down to the freebie public boat launch in Portsmouth on the Piscatua River to access the atlantic.

Thank you FLL, that is sooooooooooooooooo funny!!

You made my day!

[lawn psycho]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Buying a go-fast after the speed limits got passed......how's about that? I smell a bargain boat, super-duper second hand, low price deal at work here. Never underestimate the power of a low price boat, whether making the purchase is totally not practical. Could be that someone fell in love with a boat and could not resist the low price on a second hand cream puff, or something. TOTALLY UNDERSTANDABLE! ....and is there any chance of posting a photo of the bargain boat?

And along the same line of thought, right now what with gasoline close to four dollars/gallon is probably a good time to buy a large used pickup truck as a tow vehicle to be towing the go-fast down to the freebie public boat launch in Portsmouth on the Piscatua River to access the atlantic.

FLL, why are you jumping on "go fast boats"? My Four Winns Bowrider can exceed 45 MPH. Is it a go-fast?

Since you bring up towing, there's more risk of injury and death by driving to and from the lake than being on the water. Fact.

Lastly, many people are towing their boats illegally with overloaded axles. The listed dry weight of my boat and trailer is under 5000 lbs. I've had it on a scale and with fuel, toys, etc it's well over that. I've seen people towing the equivalent of my boat with midsize trucks that clearly have no business pulling it down the road. If they were stopped by the police and had the axles measured they would be written a fine but the police tend to leave most people alone on this one. If that truck/boat were involved in an accident is also increases potential liability. It's not just "go-fasts" who need to look at bigger tow vehicles. Food for thought.

[lawn psycho]

Some comments from some Pro-SL folks who want people to believe they are civil and would never call people names or give veiled threats

*COUGH* Hello Phantom

Quote
hey wolfie.

it says it was sent by the webmaster of sbonh. it was forwarded to me by a recipient of somebody who belongs to sbonh so she can keep an eye on what those clowns, err cowboys are up to!

lots of turncoats on that mailing list, if they only knew. haha those schmucks!"
ENDQUOTE

Maybe some revealing of the truth?
QUOTE
isn't it amazing how quiet the cowboys have gotten now that we know that speed limits are here to stay????? ah.....the sweet smell of success! sure beats the noxious smell of fumes from the now severely throttled down GFBL boats! looks like its time for the ocean racer wannabees to head to the nearest BOATUS store and stock up on dramamine & off shore charts....hahahahaha!

EndQuote

Wow, here's a beauty from our friend 'The Phantom'. This person needs a mental evaluation if this is what they think of people...
Quote:
simple. because it will be abused. the same GFBLers that abust the speed limit, abuse alcohol and drugs, abuse lakefront property owners, abuse kayakers and canoeiests and wildlife, and quite simply abuse common sense will also use switchable mufflers in juvenile and harrasing ways. waiting for that fool lawn psycho and baghdad bob and others of there ilks to now threaten to surrround Bear island with there mufflers switched off to harass th fine peeps there that have tried to defend the sanctity of the lake!
Endquote

Ah, the pro-SL never calls or edits people's name...
Quote:
actually I dont consider the article "uncomplimentary" at all. methinks that it actually sums up mr. Verpunk very well giving a true picture of this so-called "safe" boater of NH!

in my humble opinion the only way you and your family can actualy be safe sharing the lake with this speed freak is if you are in a subbmarine!

hey skip you out there in this site to? where can we buy a cheep subbmarine????

dive, dive, dive. grab the woman an children here comes the Verdunks!

Endquote

A little bit of hatred in you Phantom?

Quote
I also note that big mouth political director bagdad bob still has his muzzle firmly in place. i was laffin out loud readin about him & verpunk on the mount washngton shakedown cruise the other day. does anyone think they ever got above deck or did they spend the whole time below waiting for the bar to open. cause we all know what there favorite pastime is when they are on the water!
Endquote

I'll keep throwing these out there, let me know when you want me to stop....

If anyone wants the link to the site to show just how "civil" the pro-SL crowd is, just PM me.

For the record, a very prominent user from this site last year during a phone conversation told me the several ways he disturbs anyone who dares anchor near his property or dock. This was not bantering on his part. I feel very sorry for him actually to be that miserable of a person.

[chipj29]

Originally Posted by Rusty

Mary Hutchins has worked real hard to make our beautiful Lake a safe place for everyone.

This well written article is in today's LDS

Reps who voted against SB-27 talked to Lakes Region people

To the editor,



It would actually be greater because of human tendencies of feeling it is okay to go 5 to 10 mph above the speed limit. One further stated that the best conditions for speed was exactly the same conditions that swimmers, water skiers, small boats, canoes, kayaks etc… come out very calm days, increasing the danger by pure numbers trying to use the same water.

What is the danger exactly?

[BroadHopper]

So who the h3ll is Mary Hutchins? What makes everyone decides she speaks for everyone on the lake. She sure didn't speak to the real natives of the Lakes Region like me. Why do I have to bow to those who move into this region when I can say, 'I was here first'. I will not take orders from those who move into this area. As long as there are speed limits, I will make sure this will waste everyone's time and money until there is a compromise. Winnfabs is telling me to go to the ocean which is 40 miles down the road. I'm telling Winnfabs to go to Squam lake which is 10 miles up the road.

Problem is Squam Lake do not want the likes of the Winnfabs folks. Having said that, why do I have to suffer?

If Mary Hutchins wants to represent the lake, She should talk to me and hundreds of others who live on this lake year round since birth. She will get a different answer.

[Dhuberty24]

Very well said.

[Rusty]

Bill & Paula Bertholdt are extremely appreciative (as I am) for the 11 votes to ITL SB-27.

Here is their letter to the editor in today's LDS:


To the editor,

An open letter to the Honorable Members of the N.H. House Transportation Committee:

We are extremely appreciative of your 11 votes to ITL SB-27. The comments from both sides were well put to kill this bill, as the reps have listened to the N.H. people who want keep the 45/30 mph law as it is without any changes and certainly NOT to raise the limits to 55 mph on the Broads.

The recently released N.H. Marine Patrol Activity Data for 2010 showed even more improved accident and incident numbers than previous years. This, along with 2009 data, give additional evidence that the 45/30 mph law is indeed working from the Marine Patrol data perspective, from the perspective of hundreds of families, business/community leaders and N.H. individuals testifying of their vastly improved lake experiences through e-mails and phone calls.

We believe we have presented facts and data enough over the years that prove the 45/30 speed limits are working well and are appreciated and enjoyed by an overwhelming number of the general public and many Lakes Region businesses and associations. These reasonable limits allow the safe and comfortable access to Lake Winnipesaukee for the broadest spectrum of users.

We thank Representatives Cloutier, Dwinell, Gagnon, Hawkes, Hinch, Lindsley, Marcus, Rhodes, Scontsas, Tholl and Williams for understanding how much safety and sanity mean to most of us, individually and collectively. Your vote to ITL SB-27 and not allow any more amendments, committee studies or other attempts to change the current speed limits will be remembered by all who appreciate what you have done.

Please use your influence to persuade all members of the House, during the floor hearing we believe will be held on May 18, to see the common sense and logic of your positions. Meanwhile we hope that N.H. residents contact their respective N.H. House Reps to also urge them to support the ITL of Senate Bill 27 (to kill the bill).

We are forever in your debt.

Bill & Paula Bertholdt

Gilford
.

[DEJ]

To the editor,

An open letter to the members of the N.H. House of Representatives:

As you are no doubt aware by now, the House Transportation Committee voted 11-6 to declare the compromise SB-27 that would increase allowable speed on the area of Lake Winnipesaukee known as The Broads, ITL. The reason that the majority of the committee gave for their decision is that “it’s a local issue and the locals objected”.

Without getting into the unethical and deceptive ways that opponents of SB-27 were able to create the illusion of local support, this is NOT a local issue. Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in N.H. and the one of the largest, if not the largest, tourist draws for the state’s tourist industry. Decisions about the lake and its use affect everyone in New Hampshire.

If you go along with the thinking of the Transportation Committee you will be relinquishing state authority and decision making to local landowners who own property near our state’s prime resources, and because of this the legislature will be flooded with requests for bills in the future for restrictions of public use on public property of all types “because the locals want it so it’s a local issue”.

Do not open Pandora’s Box!

Safe Boaters of NH has provided you with facts and backed up those facts regarding the safe use of Lake Winnipesaukee for all boaters. We came up with the compromise that leaves 86-percent of Lake Winnipesaukee unchanged but opponents to the compromise SB-27 say that is not good enough, they want it all.

We urge you to support SB-27 when it gets to the floor and avoid opening Pandora’s Box, something that will touch off a stampede of bills restricting the public use of public property on the whim of private landowners.

Scott Verdonck

Safe Boater of New Hampshire

[lawn psycho]

Pretty much sums it up.

Lies vs truth.

Us vs them.

Winners = none

[fatlazyless]

With about 25 different public and private boat ramps, the lake is both a local and state lake. It is everybody's lake! With the popularity of low cost, second hand, used kayaks & paddles & pfd's over the last ten years it has become much less expensive and easier for people with less money to get out onto the Big Lake. You just tie the kayak onto the car roof and head for a local town dock. Launching a kayak off of a dock is pretty simple so the boat launch ramp is not even needed.

For a best bet-kayak launch spot, head to the Cattle Landing town dock and freebie (50-cars) unpaved parking lot that's way down the end of Meredith Neck. The Cattle Landing town dock is a 75' x 6' wide, public town dock, located across from the very south end of Bear Island and no, you will not be sharing the dock with any cows or cattle, as the cattle have all moved to Vermont. It has no town sign to identify it for some unknown reason, but you will know it when you see it, about seven miles down Meredith Neck.

Mixing high speed boats with little, slow moving kayaks is probably not the safest thing. There's an old saying that's been around for at least fifty years that says it all .......... "Speed Kills so Slow Down!"

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by Rusty

We believe we have presented facts and data enough over the years that prove the 45/30 speed limits are working well

Anybody care to try and back this up??? Where are the facts? Where is the data?

From what I've read, the facts and data to not back a speed limit that is working, especially with 2009 being one of the worst for accidents in recent history!

[BroadHopper]

Moved from the Nashua area a decade ago. Commuted until they retire and they come up here with nothing better to do than rattle the natives cages.

Same with Sandy Helves. She commutes from Nashua.

If transients don't like the lake the way it is, move on. I've been here all my life and I'm not moving.
I was born here, I will die here.

[Bear Islander]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

Moved from the Nashua area a decade ago. Commuted until they retire and they come up here with nothing better to do than rattle the natives cages.

Same with Sandy Helves. She commutes from Nashua.

If transients don't like the lake the way it is, move on. I've been here all my life and I'm not moving.
I was born here, I will die here.

There is no "time of residency" requirement before you can have an opinion on local issues. Citizens that have lived in the lakes area for a few months have just as much say, and the same voting privileges, as those that have been here for 100 years. That's the way it works. It's the American way! It's the law!

I understand you think this is unfair. You don't have to like it. You DO have to live with it.

[lawn psycho]

Originally Posted by Bear Islander

There is no "time of residency" requirement before you can have an opinion on local issues. Citizens that have lived in the lakes area for a few months have just as much say, and the same voting privileges, as those that have been here for 100 years. That's the way it works. It's the American way! It's the law!

I understand you think this is unfair. You don't have to like it. You DO have to live with it.

BI, do you think the SL is confined to only being a "local issue"?

What do you consider about those like me who pay $$ for slips to use the lake using boats bought at a Winni dealer? I then pay additional money to stay at hotels with a slip on the lake ON TOP of having a slip on several weekend per year. In fact, I bet I pay more on fees and hotel bills than some of those who don't live on the water pay in property taxes!

Personally, I think when either side uses residency as part of the SL debate it's nothing more than an attempt to marginalize viewpoints. This goes for both sides of the argument however I have found the pro-SL crowd to fall into the "don't let MA people ruin our Lake" statements much more than the anti-SL crowd.

It should come down to what the SL does (or doesn't do) for the lake.

[BroadHopper]

Originally Posted by Bear Islander

There is no "time of residency" requirement before you can have an opinion on local issues. Citizens that have lived in the lakes area for a few months have just as much say, and the same voting privileges, as those that have been here for 100 years. That's the way it works. It's the American way! It's the law!

I understand you think this is unfair. You don't have to like it. You DO have to live with it.

If that is the case, when are you going to tell the representatives to change the state motto from 'Live Free or Die' to 'The Police State'?

[chase1]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Yes, that's for sure, and it's always good to have a friendly insurance company on your side.

Attention KAYAK INSURANCE. Is there such a policy as kayak, canoe or small non-motorized sailboat insurance. Supposedly, one's homeowner's insurance provides coverage for these small, non-motorized boats but there's always some other and better way in the insurance coverage biz?

.

We have a policy on our Trac 14 sailboat.

Chase1