There's No Such Thing As A Vote That Doesn't Matter

To the editor: Let’s put aside the negative mudslinging and focus on the positives. Regardless of your stance on either article, everyone agrees that at least codification is essential. Thankfully.

Town Council John Giorgio warned us that Judge Vhay or another Boston judge would issue a decision we wouldn’t like, and he was right. So, now we have to protect ourselves from future damage and take back control into our own hands.

One thing we can all agree on is that the enforcement of the court ruling of a 31-day minimum stay rental would have a profound impact on the entire island. It would almost render the streets unrecognizable. Now, all parties, or “stockholders,” have come back to the table with open arms, and rightfully so. Let’s work together to regain control of our future this Tuesday at Town Meeting at 5 p.m.

My recommendation is that everyone votes for Article 1 to get codification on the books. Then, we’ll all have to remain in the room because Article 2 still can supersede Article 1. The next action is for us, the voters, to discuss the restrictions of Article 2. Whether you’re for or against the article, it’s time to speak now or forever hold your peace.

At the end of the final vote, hopefully, the best decisions will be made. I hope that any friendships lost, neighborly disagreements, board member conflicts, and all the negativity of the past few years is left in the high school auditorium or gymnasium so that we can work together as a community once again.

Be Well.

Joseph Topham