Editor:

 It was refreshing to read an article in the paper that wasn't left wing, which is abundant in The Chronicle's letters and editorials. Biden’s four years of open borders were a nightmare and remain so. A majority of the left are even against the deportation of the millions of illegals, including criminal ones. I believe it is disdain for Donald Trump more than anything else. Most of us want productive and intelligent solutions, and hopefully, many on the left will eventually see the light. In my opinion, Donald J. Trump is the best president, another George Washington.

James Coyle
Harwich

Editor:

A snake oil salesman is someone who promotes valueless, fraudulent or deceptive products, remedies or solutions, often making exaggerated or false claims about their effective use. Some examples: watches, steaks, perfumes, university programs, sneakers, guitars, mug shot products. 

So now we can call Trump the snake oil salesman-in-chief.

Edward Fried
West Chatham

Editor:

The short-term rental task force in Brewster seems to be on track to recommend a registration system, with all members of the task force agreeing that a registration system would provide a set of numbers needed to make further decisions. 

This is good news, as Brewster is one of only three towns on the Cape with no registration system process for short-term rentals (the others being Sandwich and Wellfleet), but it is disheartening that this process has taken so long. 

Two years ago, I independently conducted research on short-term rentals, consulted with other towns that have registration systems to learn from them, and proposed a registration system for Brewster (as well as proposing limits on short-term rentals in a separate article). The now-chair of the short-term rental task force, Amanda Bebrin, spoke against implementing a registration system at the spring 2024 town meeting, yet now, after this task force has spent tens of thousands of dollars on consultants, agrees that a registration system is needed. 

I can’t say I’m thrilled that valuable time was wasted in implementing this, nor can I say that it is a good thing that money was wasted to conduct research I had already conducted for free (and made readily accessible). The town seems to prefer spending egregious sums of money on conducting redundant research instead of taking the time to read over research that already exists (and maybe conduct a couple of phone calls, send a couple of emails). 

I’ve seen members of the select board in Brewster applaud themselves for being examples of good governance, but I fail to see how actively wasting time and money is an example of anything positive. 

I suppose when someone who has been directly impacted by the housing crisis takes it upon themselves to try and bring about positive change, that can be readily ignored, but when you pay for that same opinion, it suddenly becomes worthwhile.

Matilda Delano
Brewster

Editor:

I write in response to Chatham’s failure to provide lifeguards this summer. Make no mistake, this is an epic failure of town management, pure and simple, which places the public at risk. Imagine if town management were to say, sorry, we couldn’t find people to be police officers, so we’ll have employees roaming the town to suggest people not break the law? Or some similar approach for firefighters. Unacceptable.

For Community Services Deputy Director Amy Howell to say the department surveys what other towns are paying and believes the town’s pay scale for lifeguards is competitive is absurd. If Chatham’s pay and benefits for lifeguards were competitive and its management competent, they would have all the lifeguards they need. Obviously that’s not the case. The select board should take immediate steps to ensure this management failure is not repeated next season. Meanwhile, let’s hope no one dies this summer.

B. Chris Brewster, chair
National Certification Committee
United States Lifesaving Association

Editor:

Thank you, Chatham parade coordinators and participants. Great parade!

There was a time not very long ago when businesses opened their parking lots for free parade parking. This year parking fees were as high as $30! I find this very disconcerting that families who come into our town for the two-hour parade have to pay for parking. The folks who attend the parade often remain and patronize these businesses. Let's face it, it's not inexpensive to travel around Chatham with a family. I really doubt that any of our Chatham businesses would go under by providing free two-hour parking on parade day.

A suggestion for the businesses is to copy an idea from the Wellfleet Beachcomber. Every person who pays to park gets a coupon for that value to use in the business. The Beachcomber has been doing that for years.

Let's hope that next year we can welcome our visitors without charging them to enjoy a family event. Chatham hospitality!

Carol Gordon
South Chatham

Editor:

Let’s hope and pray this isn't our last Fourth of July!

Claudette Cameron
Harwich