Since last July when a teenager was seriously injured at an illegal fireworks display on Walker Pond, there has been an undercurrent of frustration that has yet to be publicly broached. That frustration stems from the fact that for the past several years, local lake associations have come forward requesting financial support from the town to help defray the cost of maintaining our lakes.Undoubtedly, there is a great deal of maintenance involved in ensuring that our lakes retain their beauty and their viability, as invasive weeds can quickly overrun and destroy the aquatic value of a body of water for residents. Historically, the lakefront property owners have borne the brunt of the required maintenance costs through dues, fundraisers, and other efforts. The remainder of this post can be read by accessing the READ MORE link below.
Some argue that those who live on the lakes should be responsible for maintaining them, since they choose to locate there, and are by and large, the principle users of the lakes. Others would contend that the increased tax assessments on such properties provides little in terms of additional return on their tax dollar. There is clearly merit to such a position, particularly since the lakes are by and large public property with public access, though in some cases rather limited public access.
I view the lakes as an asset to the community and one that benefits residents and visitors alike and have thus previously supported the lake associations in their pursuit of maintenance funding. I have in fact publicly spoken to same at past selectmen's meetings. To be clear, I have no property on the lakes, do not utilize the lakes, and have no special personal interest in the lakes that has dictated my support for the lake associations. I do have friends and acquaintances who own lakefront property (as many of us do who live in a small community), yet, as previously stated, I have never utilized, nor even visited the properties of these individuals for any type of recreation.
To be redundant, let me again state that I view the lakes as an asset to the community and one worthy of our support when and where fiscally appropriate. My position on this issue is fundamentally grounded in the premise that our lakes, just like our roads, sidewalks, parks, open spaces, etc., - all of which are not used by every single resident, every single day, in every single corner of town - are still public assets that we have an obligation and a vested interest to maintain. Clearly, some are prioritized higher (roads for example) as they should be simply because they are one of the most utilized public assets we have.
Thus, it should be clear, that I am a supporter of providing financial assistance to the lake associations in order to help defray some of the costs of maintaining our public bodies of water. But I, like many others, have wrestled these past months with a nagging concern and one I am going to be rather frank about. How much money, if any, was provided to the Walker Pond Lake Association last year or the year before? If they did receive funds, one has to question the validity of such. It is clear based upon information that has surfaced despite the "lack of cooperation" from attendees at the illegal fireworks festivities, that a significant amount of money was raised to host a rather impressive pyrotechnics display.
If (and at this point it is only an if), any public funds were provided to the Walker Pond Lake Association because of an overriding need for weed maintenance, then how serious was their shortage of funds, when it is clear that a significant amount of fundraising was utilized for the illegal fireworks display?
If (and again it's a big if) public funds were provided, then perhaps a much closer look at the financial practices of at least one lake association organization needs to be conducted. These are concerns that have manifested within the quiet conversations of individuals and groups as we weigh the glaring "lack of cooperation" from some Walker Pond area residents, who now, may well be party to investigative obstruction.
Make no mistake about it, there are a multitude of incredibly wonderful and generous people who reside in the Walker Pond area. Sadly, these wonderful people are burdened with the albatross of a few cowards who are now hiding in the shadows and have turned their backs on their responsibility as adults, as parents, and as human beings. Were it their son or daughter who was so seriously injured, there is little doubt that they would be screaming for justice from on high.
Thus, despite the best intentions and justifications for public funding for lake weed management, there will be - when the time is appropriate - questions and concerns raised in terms of at least one lake association organization and its access to public funds. Clearly, the Walker Pond Lake Association, which is being dragged down by a few cowards, will be the subject of some scrutiny by those of us who view personal accountability as an integral component of our daily lives.
If they wish to be entitled to the financial support of the community, then perhaps they should demonstrate some character and courage within the community, by "stepping up". A great place to start would be the dismissal of all Walker Pond Lake Association officers and or representatives who were involved with coordinating this event. This should be followed by a public apology to the teenager and his family, expressing regret for the unfortunate and unintended accident. Next, would be an public apology to the residents of Sturbridge along with the Sturbridge Police Department for the glaring lapse of character and leadership demonstrated by those responsible for this incident.
Lastly, but by no means least, the new officers of the Walker Pond Association should publicly acknowledge to our children, the importance of maintaining character and integrity in our daily practices.
Now, there are those who may be prone to suggest that I am singling out one particular lake association group over all others. This is absolutely correct. To my knowledge, this is the only lake association that bears any responsibility for a fireworks display that resulted in 3rd degree burns to 20% of a teenagers body, and has since engaged in what some might call a "cover up" in terms of responsibility and accountability.
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