To the editor:
Having read the various letters generated by Rusty Warren’s columns concerning tourists/summer people I decided to add my two cents’ worth. Rusty’s columns are accurate and do reflect the feelings of many islanders. I feel she has been unfairly attacked for telling it like it is, but that is Rusty …
Having lived on Vinalhaven all my life I have been exposed to the good and bad behavior of those from away. When I was a kid, summer people sic-ed their dog on me and threatened to have me arrested for walking in front of their property well below the high water mark. Having worked in the grocery store, gas station and transfer station I have had many firsthand experiences with rude summer people …
So while tourists/summer people have a positive impact on islands there is a negative dark side that shouldn’t be glossed over. That dark side, overwhelming numbers of tourists and skyrocketing real estate prices fueled by wealthy summer people is the legitimate basis of resentment of islanders towards tourists/summer people. It’s the good will created by tourists/summer people who behave well and truly care about the islanders that prevents this resentment from reaching a boiling point.
Eric N. Davis
Vinalhaven