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LET’S
HELP TO KEEP THE PEACE IN OUR LAKE COMMUNITY
A
community is a group of people living in the same locality under the
same government; it also refers to a social group of people with similar
interests. This describes our lake community perfectly.
Being able to use, and know, Star Lake is a
special privilege – one we must recognize that means something to each
person on the lake. We have great neighbors, beautiful homes and
camps, and young or old, we all get to enjoy the lake in many ways. We
also share the responsibility to protect the lake and try to get along
with one another. In recent years, there have been conflicting opinions
as to how the lake should be used. Some feel that the “letter of the
law” should be applied to all who use the lake; others feel that
“traditional use” such as water skiing around the island or in and out
of the post office bay was “ok” then and is “ok” now. Controversy has
ranged from meaningful discussion to loud profanities and obscene
gestures on the water. Hard feelings have resulted in a decreased
enjoyment of our lake environment by many, whether involved in the
controversy or not
 There is clearly room for compromise
between traditional enjoyment of the lake and the strict letter of the
law. Boaters (including jet skiers) need to recognize their
responsibilities to property owners, to others on the lake and to the
lake itself. Those who object to motorboats need to realize that
traditionally, there are favorite spots for skiing and boating.
Annoyances and infractions should first be dealt with personally, in a
reasonable, friendly manner, contacting those involved.
Attempt to replace judgement with
curiosity when beginning a discussion with someone on the lake that is
utilizing it in such a way you do not understand. “Zero
tolerance” of infractions of “the law” or calling the sheriff onto the
lake are not reasonable nor
productive responses to observed infractions. Such extreme action
should be used only as a last resort to resolve a problem. A deputy
recently said that “if you call us onto the lake for small infractions,
we will patrol and enforce all infractions, to the letter of the law—and
most people wouldn’t want that.” He suggested that people work out their
differences.
Likewise, voluntary compliance “most
of the time” by boaters would help to minimize safety hazards, erosion
and the hard feelings of others. Boaters, for example, could try not to
ski around the island as often as they normally might. A “slow cruise”
into or out of the post office bay is not a bad thing if it helps to
ease some tensions and, in fact, it can be very enjoyable. We ask that
all users of the lake be tolerant of others’ rights to the quiet
enjoyment of their property and that they do so in a responsible, safe
manner. Remember that “voices carry on the
lake” and your private conversation may be heard by those across your
bay – or even across the lake! Obscenity, threats and rude
behavior won’t solve any problems and have no place or purpose on this
lake. Empathy and compromise will go a long way toward keeping the peace
on the lake.
The “best government is
self-government” and that is the government that we should all choose to
live under in our lake community. There will always be controversy; it’s
how we deal with it as a community and as individuals that defines who
we are. Compromise and understanding are essential to a healthy society.
Please try to live within our community; not outside it.
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