It’s state-owned public land and the mandate for management belongs to the state. If Bainbridge wants to assume state responsibility, it does so at its own peril.

Spending money it doesn’t have, the city has no ethical, moral or legal obligation other than what it needlessly has brought on itself. Under the circumstances at City Hall, assuming state responsibility is pure and simple irresponsibility.

It’s my belief that the state’s Peter Goldmark and DNR are capable of doing their own work through innovation and creative thinking. A state-wide anchoring in open water policy could be developed to address all concerns in sharing the costs state wide.

No extraordinary burden rests with any single individual or entity. This could be accomplished through existing boat-registration programs. This would bring in much-needed revenue and fulfill public trust of state-ownd lands.

Ed Cannard

Parfitt Way