Letters to the editor for July 17

Vacation rentals are considered a 'special use'

Well, I guess it is my turn to write a Ted Long letter. At three separate City Council meetings, Mr. Long has asked the city attorney a similar question pertaining to property rights. All three times, he got the same answer. Councilman Long has asked about the rights of property owners to rent their homes to tourists for the weekend. The vacation-rental ordinance was passed to prohibit loud parties and events that would cause disturbances in residential neighborhoods.

Mr. Long tries to convince us that this may be an assault on property rights. The city attorney has repeatedly told him, as can be viewed on the City Council meeting recordings, that when you have a vacation-rental house, it falls under a "special use," and the city has the right to grant the privilege to rent this house and to regulate its use under an ordinance.

What part of this answer don't you understand, Mr. Long? You voted to take private property in Stateline from our locals and give it to Randy Lane and his almost-bankrupt enterprise so he could make a profit. These locals endured years of hardships, and when some of those business started showing a profit, you took them away for someone else's profit. Property rights, Mr. Long? Do you expect anyone to believe what you say when your actions speak for you? I do await your lengthy reply or an editorial.

Jerry Goodman

South Lake Tahoe

Elected board members have a tough job

As a former board member of the South Tahoe Public Utility District, I wanted to set the record straight on an error I made during the heat of the political campaign for the seat I held. I was defeated by Dale Rise in that election. I had truly thought that Dale was not independent and part of a stated effort by others to take over what I considered to be a very well-intentioned and outstanding organization and board of directors.

I was wrong about Dale Rise. He has by all estimations turned out to be a very well-reasoned, hard-working board member. Most of all, he is an independent thinker and sets his own course. I admire that, and I want the community to know that being an elected board member is not easy. Once the rhetoric of an election is over, you have to make the best decisions you can for the long term. Enemies can be made as a result of votes you cast, because short-term interests who do not have the same weight of responsibility seek to influence you once you are elected.

I count the 16 years I served as an honor, and I will never forget the amazing employees and board members I served with. Although I have moved a short distance away, my heart and interest is still at Tahoe. That being said, I hope the community looks long and hard to find good decision-makers to run for STPUD and especially the upcoming City Council election. Not all those who get elected turn out to be as good a choice as Dale has. Some who get elected aren't independent. Some do not do their homework or put the good of the community first. Good people need to step in as some of us move on. It really does make a difference who gets elected.

Duane Wallace

Pollock Pines