Vote for access to Berlin Pond

A few of the landowners around Berlin Pond have been fighting tooth and nail all summer to keep others off the pond. A few have made vocal appearances at meetings. Some have sent letters to local newspapers with myriad reasons people should keep out. One pond neighbor even started a sign-up sheet to organize troops to fight to “save the pond.” At last check, five people had signed the sheet.

Not all of the landowners are against access. Those that are have tried to make a loud voice. They’ve tried to recruit the many walkers, joggers and bird-watchers to join their crusade. They’ve tried to create an “us against them” scenario.

Ellen Drysdale conveyed, quite honestly, that “the sky has not fallen” after the Supreme Court ruling. She admits that the usage has been light and the wildlife is still thriving.

I hope Berlin voters are not persuaded by the fear speech that has been tossed around this summer. A yes vote on Election Day will make a clear statement that we Vermonters collectively own Berlin Pond. Don’t let a select few control a place that we all should share. Vote yes for access to Berlin Pond.

Nate Smead

Berlin