To the editor:

I am not opposed to “growth” in Wilmington. I am not opposed to STRs in Wilmington.

However, like many other community members, I am completely opposed to our town supervisor and our deputy supervisor stubbornly plowing ahead with the implementation of weak and outdated local laws regulating STRs. Both officials have personal monetary interests in STRs, and their inability to think about these issues more critically, as well as their consistent refusal to update Wilmington’s STR law, shows their biases.

Like many other community members, I am completely opposed to our town supervisor and our deputy supervisor handpicking and appointing Michelle Preston to our town board. The same person who, as a candidate, resoundingly lost in the election to earn a place on the board.

Like many other community members, I believe that our supervisor and the deputy resorted to these tactics for one reason only: Because they know their appointee will vote with them on all “hot topics” facing our community, including on every issue related to STRs. They have shown their true colors; they are not interested in the voice of the people — only in securing supporting votes on key issues.

Like many other community members, I am completely opposed to the disrespect and incivility with which some of our elected officials routinely treat any dissenting voice. The belligerent, insolent and condescending way Mr. Forbes speaks to fellow community members is not befitting of an elected official. It is not befitting of a civil adult.

Wilmington’s current law regulating STRs is merely a watered-down copy of a law Lake Placid passed almost three years ago; a law that Lake Placid and North Elba have both decided isn’t good enough.Yet people opposed to Wilmington’s current STR law have been paintedas being against freedom, progress, growth, and have been accused of being in favor of “a communist country.”

Like many other community members, I am in favor of STRs being regulated appropriately and being held to the same rules and standards as other businesses in Wilmington.

Rather than obstinately imposing an ineffective and inequitable set of STR regulations upon Wilmington, and binding Wilmington to that law for the next two years, I ask our elected officials to finally consider the voices of their constituents and embark upon a more responsible course of action.

Lastly: I ask they treat their community members and compeer elected board members with the respect we deserve.

Brigette E. Levitt

Wilmington