Here is another opinion on Bill H.223 in Vermont Legislature:

 

Dear Jane

 

I’m not really a blogger but would like to respond to one posting (HDM’s) if I may.

 

Re: H.223

New Hampshire has sensible Riparian zone regulations with grandfathering. Vermont attempted to pass similar buffering regulations several years ago; however, they were over zealous - with a setback of at least 100 feet. This would have affected the front, side, and possibly even back yard areas of many existing camps on Joe’s Pond. It didn’t pass.

I think it’s fair to say that we all would like to see more done to assure water quality. I’m sorry, but I don’t know who HDM is.  In his/her comments, he/she mentions septic failures, but that’s already regulated with tough new laws passed in 2007. The problem with this bill (H.223), as pointed out in The Record article (copy posted on 3/29 blog), is its delegation of sole authority to the Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. At present, that would be Deb Markowitz. Is she a reasonable person or is she someone who would like to see Vermont lakes and ponds as they looked 200 years ago. I don’t know. And what happens when a new Secretary is appointed? The bill, in my view, lacks the proper checks and balances and puts too much power in the hands of one person. That’s the scary part of it.

Michael Morley

Franconia NH (and Joe’s Pond)