To The Editor:
It will be a monumental loss for The Valley, today's children and the children of future generations if we allow this unique piece of land to fall through our fingertips. As we look at our day-to-day and life experiences, there are things that pass by us and we have a choice; seize the moment or lose the opportunity forever.
The Mad River Park opportunity for me falls into the category of “If not now, when and how?” How in the future could we ever hope to be able to achieve a result like we have now? The Valley children and teens need more, not fewer, places to grow and have fun, and parents need more public places that their children can enjoy.
In the past we have made missteps in opportunities in this Valley. The loss of Red Hen Baking Company comes to mind. Red Hen now has a thriving business in Middlesex, employing many people. In hindsight, we, as a Valley and town of Waitsfield, should have worked harder and with more foresight so Red Hen could be prospering in the old Mad River Canoe building employing some of our local residents.
We cannot change the past decisions that were made, but we certainly cannot, in my opinion, let this opportunity "slip through our fingers."
With regard to Waitsfield's Grand List concerns, what would happen if The Valley raises the funds to acquire this property from Laura and Dick, and then sell it to one of the churches for a dollar? Would this land now avoid any tax payment to Waitsfield? The Grand List concern seems trivial to me when compared to the enormous benefit for The Valley children now and for the future.
Donald F. Simonini
Fayston
