So what did the Senate do?

[Woodsy]

The Senators heard lots of testimony at the hearing that was extremely similar to the R,R & D committe hearings this past summer. They heard about 150' Safe Passage, pros & cons of radar, and all of the relevant enforcement issues of HB-162, including potential costs, and the logistics of using radar. What they didn't hear, was anything specific about excessive speed. The honorable Senator Burling was clearly looking to somehow reach a compromise with the two sides. Unfortunately, one rather long winded speaker actually refered to Hi-Performance boaters as criminals, and another went on and on, even though the Senate Commitee Chairman asked her politely to stop on numerous occasions and submit her testimony as written. (There was supposed to be a 3 minute limit on testimony, but like at the summer hearings, it was generously ignored)

There are a lot of ways to compromise. The problem lies in actually hammering out a solution. The proponents of HB-162 spoke about fear, and I have no doubt that thier fear is real. I addressed the issue when it was my turn to talk. As I told the senators, unfortunately no law is a magic wand that will eliminate fear. Fear can only be eliminated by education. If HB-162 were to pass, it really wouldn't do much to help out those trying to get to Bear Island from Y Landing. It is a congested part of the lake and a speed limit won't ease that congestion. But adding another NWZ will.

The summer camp director spoke about kids not being able to swim out to an island... I tend to agree with him that just stinks. But a solution might be to hire an MP boat for a few hours, similar to a detail cop for a construction site. A Marine Patrol boat with lights flashing would go a long way in insuring the safety of the young swimmers.

Most of the problems presented and testified tended be related more to congestion than excessive speed. I think with boater education and better funding for the Marina Patrol I think we would see almost immeadiate results and a much calmer atmosphere on the lake.

Woodsy

[Weirs guy]

Originally Posted by Woodsy

The summer camp director spoke about kids not being able to swim out to an island...Woodsy

Question to all: would the summer camp director fell better if the kids were run over by a slow moving boat as opposed to one going 45+MPH?

Sorry, but it just amazes me how clouded this issue has become.

[Cal]

Originally Posted by Weirs guy

Question to all: would the summer camp director fell better if the kids were run over by a slow moving boat as opposed to one going 45+MPH?

Sorry, but it just amazes me how clouded this issue has become.

Isn't that the truth. I'll bet my boat you would hear about it a whole lot more if it were over 45
Just like Littlefields was ALWAYS noted as "a performance boat","a performance boat","a performance boat". It could have been almost any type power boat except perhaps a pontoon boat , which probably would not ride up the back of another boat but skewer it instead .

[GWC...]

If so many realize that the MP is financially restricted to enforce the current rules, regulations, and laws, then why not add $100 to all boating registrations and make canoes and kayaks register, as well.

In other words, whatever you are paying to "boat" on the Lake, add $100 to the pot - pay to play and be supervised, if unable to act responsibly, so that the Lake may be enjoyed by all.

Gee, what an idea!

Give the MP what it needs financially to supervise those unable to act responsibly, so that the Lake may be enjoyed by all.

I must be a frigg'n genius...

[ITD]

Originally Posted by GWC...

If so many realize that the MP is financially restricted to enforce the current rules, regulations, and laws, then why not add $100 to all boating registrations and make canoes and kayaks register, as well.

In other words, whatever you are paying to "boat" on the Lake, add $100 to the pot - pay to play and be supervised, if unable to act responsibly, so that the Lake may be enjoyed by all.

Gee, what an idea!

Give the MP what it needs financially to supervise those unable to act responsibly, so that the Lake may be enjoyed by all.

I must be a frigg'n genius...

Careful what you ask for GWC, I'm willing to bet NH takes in more on boat regs. than it pays for MP. Any additional money would be diverted in a heartbeat, you can bet the holders of the pursestrings would check out the statistics, determine the lake is safe and divert the extra money you want to collect to some pork project.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by GWC...

If so many realize that the MP is financially restricted to enforce the current rules, regulations, and laws, then why not add $100 to all boating registrations and make canoes and kayaks register, as well.

In other words, whatever you are paying to "boat" on the Lake, add $100 to the pot - pay to play and be supervised, if unable to act responsibly, so that the Lake may be enjoyed by all.

One hundred dollars still buys a lot of groceries. Some folks scrape together $75 to buy a used fiberglass Lincoln el-cheapo canoe so that they can boat—at all!

The lake should be for all peaceable boaters to enjoy, even the financially strapped.

[Steve]

Maybe I missed it, but was anything decided? How long does it take the Senate to make a decision on something like this?

[GWC...]

Originally Posted by Acres per Second

One hundred dollars still buys a lot of groceries. Some folks scrape together $75 to buy a used fiberglass Lincoln el-cheapo canoe so that they can boat—at all!

The lake should be for all peaceable boaters to enjoy, even the financially strapped.

Your point is well taken and I agree.

Unfortunately, some are in fear of using the unsafe Lake and desire a speed limit to remedy their fear. Their remedy requires $$$$$ and that places a financial burden upon those financially challenged.

If the MP were properly funded, the current rules, regulations, and laws would provide for a safer Lake and dispel the fears of most Lake users - the rest will require professional help to overcome their fears.

Ever use a pay toilet?

Sometimes life is harsh for the financially challenged.

If the boaters pony-up, the swimmers (no fee required) will be able to swim without the alleged fears mentioned in the HB162 threads.

As an after thought, it never ceases to amaze me how people are able to afford cigarettes while complaining of being financially challenged – the joys of being an addict.

Again, sometimes life is harsh for the financially challenged.