At the October 21 meeting of the Town of Lumberland Zoning Board of Appeals member Caroline Akt took a poll of all people present: “Would you want to look out on the neighbor’s recreational trailer?” The implied correct answer was “no.” In a separate conversation with Lumberland’s code enforcement officer Dave Sparling, he asked if I would want to live next to the Antique Emporium in Barryville. The spoon-fed answer, again, is understood to be “no.” Visitors to the area see the Barryville shop as a rare destination. The code enforcer sees a messy, unregulated eyesore. I see someone’s livelihood.

Akt sees camper trailers as ugly, but others see a family who likes to travel together. The difference is perspective, but because of zoning codes and power, the difference may also be enforcement.

To our public officials, Akt, Sparling, et al, I propose that the property next door is not your property. If you want a different scenery, build a fence, buy the view, or better yet re-orient yourselves. Consider Alaska... or suburbia (apologies Alaska). To those who own recreational vehicles or trailers, stay alert. Some neighbors are positioning themselves and the town codes to change how you live. I don’t own a recreational trailer, but I care deeply about what has become an evil expression—property ownership. If property ownership is just “leasing from the state,” it has no long-term value and encourages no long-term stewardship.

Next election, vote for candidates who care about community, education, employment and environment—not views. Elected officials have the power to weed out unelected board members or regulatory agencies themselves. Reverse the pessimism in government by electing people who understand that people not views make a community.

Hall Smyth

Pond Eddy, NY