Bad economy/speed limit=bad news for lake businesses

[OCDACTIVE]

Originally Posted by ITD

This thread just cannot end well. Push that close button Mr. Webmaster before the rest of the SL gang wakes up.

I disagree. I feel that whether we like it or not it will it very much part of the lake and will need to be discussed. I think as pointed out the merits of the law have been beaten like a dead horse but how it is enforced and if it is taking a toll on the lakes economy is a very important topic that should be discussed.

It will be tough because it is such a Hot Topic. But something that needs to be discussed none the less.

[sa meredith]

Originally Posted by OCDACTIVE

I disagree. I feel that whether we like it or not it will it very much part of the lake and will need to be discussed. I think as pointed out the merits of the law have been beaten like a dead horse but how it is enforced and if it is taking a toll on the lakes economy is a very important topic that should be discussed.

It will be tough because it is such a Hot Topic. But something that needs to be discussed none the less.

Honestly, you can't be serious. I mean, I love a spirited discussion more than most. Even one that becomes an argument.
But this topic? Although I am neutral on it (very seldom do I travel over 40 MPH, and never go out at night) , I read most of the posts about the speed limits. But they have long since turned into the same regurgitated garbage over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again! All this thread is, is a disguise to start it up again. Anyone can see this.
I mean, the speed limit being bad for business?????? Business is, and going to be, way way off this year. Probably fatal for many places. And the speed limit has little, if anything to do with it.

[Turtle Boy]

Originally Posted by sa meredith

I mean, the speed limit being bad for business?????? Business is, and going to be, way way off this year. Probably fatal for many places. And the speed limit has little, if anything to do with it.

You're 100% right on that one. And the same goes for all the melodrama over poker runs and charity. One poster was commenting on how the Easter Seals will lose out because of the new law (and by implication, sick children) and what a shame it is. In reality, charities are fortunately quite adept at raising money and as the saying goes, when one door shuts, another opens. Within the confines of the new law there will be plenty(perhaps more and better) of opportunities to raise money. I look forward to some of the positive aspects of the new law that we'll see.

[OCDACTIVE]

Originally Posted by Turtle Boy

You're 100% right on that one. And the same goes for all the melodrama over poker runs and charity. One poster was commenting on how the Easter Seals will lose out because of the new law (and by implication, sick children) and what a shame it is. In reality, charities are fortunately quite adept at raising money and as the saying goes, when one door shuts, another opens. Within the confines of the new law there will be plenty(perhaps more and better) of opportunities to raise money. I look forward to some of the positive aspects of the new law that we'll see.

Yes charitable organizations are pros at fund raising. They may be able to adapt. However the poker runs have been a proven successful way of raising money. My point is it is a shame that something that was so successful and brought many people to the lake may not be as successful this year due to the topic at hand.

Charitable organizations are taking a tremendous hit regardless due to the economy, I feel this just makes it even harder. Again just my own opinion.

[fatlazyless]

Any way you can slice this thread about what drives the local lake economy.....a gallon of gasoline...speed limits...overall economy....price on scrap metal going to South Korea...ozone levels...or President Obama....toss it all into the local mix and what really rules the summer lakes region, business economy is the weekend weather, along with the mid-week weather. It is far & away, the 8000lb King Kong guerrilla around these here parts, and it's all about the weather.

Fast boat, slow boat, sailboat, canoe or a swimmer: it's got to be the weather that matters the most.


Last three summers of 2006, 2007, & 2008 were all rain & clouds & cold from May 15 - August 15. Based on the law of averages and the old adage of 'a cold winter = a hot summer', this coming summer is predicted to be a hotter and sunnier summer.

Three cheers for this summer's terrific boating weather!

[swnoel]

Sounds like the Me Generation is upset!!

I don't understand why 45 mph is such a problem , how fast do you need to go?

I've been on the lake at night and most of the time you can't see your hand in front of you, why would one need to be out there going fast?

I applaude those that understand and will do their part in making the Lake safer and more enjoyable for all.

[OCDACTIVE]

Originally Posted by swnoel

Sounds like the Me Generation is upset!!

I don't understand why 45 mph is such a problem , how fast do you need to go?

I've been on the lake at night and most of the time you can't see your hand in front of you, why would one need to be out there going fast?

I applaude those that understand and will do their part in making the Lake safer and more enjoyable for all.

Off topic but I respect your opinion.

[eillac@dow]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Last three summers of 2006, 2007, & 2008 were all rain & clouds from May 15 - August 15. Based on the law of averages and the old adage of 'a cold winter = a hot summer', this coming summer is predicted to be a hotter and sunnier summer.

Three cheers for this summer's terrific boating weather!

Do you promise?

[jrc]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

....

Three cheers for this summer's terrific boating weather!

This is the best post

[livefreeordie]

Originally Posted by sa meredith

Honestly, you can't be serious. I mean, I love a spirited discussion more than most. Even one that becomes an argument.
But this topic? Although I am neutral on it (very seldom do I travel over 40 MPH, and never go out at night) , I read most of the posts about the speed limits. But they have long since turned into the same regurgitated garbage over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again! All this thread is, is a disguise to start it up again. Anyone can see this.
I mean, the speed limit being bad for business?????? Business is, and going to be, way way off this year. Probably fatal for many places. And the speed limit has little, if anything to do with it.

Here is a great example as to why this topic is good to discuss. As a kid I worked at sandy point as a dock boy on weekends. I would get 10-25 boats a night all larger boats from other ends of the lake. I can't see any more than 5% of those people making the trip this year becaus of the 25mph. Most won't come by car do to how long it takes to drive there.

[sa meredith]

Originally Posted by livefreeordie

Here is a great example as to why this topic is good to discuss. As a kid I worked at sandy point as a dock boy on weekends. I would get 10-25 boats a night all larger boats from other ends of the lake. I can't see any more than 5% of those people making the trip this year becaus of the 25mph. Most won't come by car do to how long it takes to drive there.

You see...my larger point is this.....You're right. People are not going to come this year. But here's the news. It has nothing to do with speed limits!!!!!
Yeah, people have pride. So they will indeed say foolish things like "we skipped the boat this year. Damn speed limits! Gonna leave it sitting for the summer." or " Yeah, we don't travel much at night for dinner. It takes too long with the new speed limits." They will say these things because they have pride. What they really mean is, "money is very tight, so we are cutting back for a while".
The Speed Limit is a very nice, convient scape goat.

[OCDACTIVE]

Originally Posted by sa meredith

You see...my larger point is this.....You're right. People are not going to come this year. But here's the news. It has nothing to do with speed limits!!!!!
Yeah, people have pride. So they will indeed say foolish things like "we skipped the boat this year. Damn speed limits! Gonna leave it sitting for the summer." or " Yeah, we don't travel much at night for dinner. It takes too long with the new speed limits." They will say these things because they have pride. What they really mean is, "money is very tight, so we are cutting back for a while".
The Speed Limit is a very nice, convient scape goat.

Again a very good point that is speculative. You can not say that is the case for everyone. I know of many people with bigger faster boats and are not hurting what so ever $ wise, that have decided they do not need the hassel and will go elsewhere. In such a tight economy any small business owner will tell you every little bit helps.

I am sure you are right that there are people who will use it as a scape goat and pointing that out in this thread is your right. And I think others who may disagree with you deserve to be heard as well.

nothing personal.

[OCDACTIVE]

Originally Posted by sa meredith

Honestly, you can't be serious. I mean, I love a spirited discussion more than most. Even one that becomes an argument.
But this topic? Although I am neutral on it (very seldom do I travel over 40 MPH, and never go out at night) , I read most of the posts about the speed limits. But they have long since turned into the same regurgitated garbage over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again! All this thread is, is a disguise to start it up again. Anyone can see this.
I mean, the speed limit being bad for business?????? Business is, and going to be, way way off this year. Probably fatal for many places. And the speed limit has little, if anything to do with it.

Honestly I am quite serious... It is not a disguise but a true discussion. whether speculative or not at this point, it is something that is of a concern. I do agree the economy overall will have much more of an impact but you can't rule out the possibility that this will end up impacting certain, not all, but certain industries around the lake. Discussing them is a topic that can and should be discussed if people want to. If you feel it has been discussed over and over again, then feel free 'not' to participate.

Since it has just started and the season has just begun it is difficult to say that it has already been discussed because people now are beginning to make their summer plans and may voice whether or not the limits are a deciding factor in their vacation plans.

If you feel the limits will have little or nothing to do with it that is your valid opinion. I don't see why it is a problem if I or others want to voice theirs. Or come on and explain what they have been hearing from family and friends.

I agree the thread can lead to the same old arguments but that is why Mr. Webmaster stepped in to make sure it stays on topic.

The other topic that has been brought up but not discussed in your previous post was enforcement. This is also going to be an important item to look at over this coming season. I also think discussing peoples views and observations (now that the economy has played a large role in cutting back on MP funding) will be important.

On a side bar I think people supporting would like no discussion to take place so that if there are issues no one hears about them.. But that is my 2 cents

[livefreeordie]

Originally Posted by OCDACTIVE

I disagree. I feel that whether we like it or not it will it very much part of the lake and will need to be discussed. I think as pointed out the merits of the law have been beaten like a dead horse but how it is enforced and if it is taking a toll on the lakes economy is a very important topic that should be discussed.

It will be tough because it is such a Hot Topic. But something that needs to be discussed none the less.

Just found out a friends of our just sold his boat because of all this. He said he does not want the hassle of getting pulled over because his boat looks like it's dong 80 at 40mph. He said he spent 5-10k on feul a summer, and 500 on a reserved spot at the poker run. He even used to take all the NASCAR teams out on rides to show them our great lake.
I always thought I would spend my whole life on this lake but if this sticks in two years. I will raise my family some other place.