If taxpayers can't access Bowen Pond, they shouldn't pay to clean it up

Editor:

The purpose of this letter is to comment on The News-Times editorial regarding the cleanup of Bowen Pond ("Bond is about more than Bowen Pond," Aug. 20).

The editorial implies that the taxpayers of Columbia County should be appreciative of the fact that West Lake's Bowen Pond was donated to the county.

However, the question arises as to the motivation behind the donation. Why would the taxpaying residents be pleased about the donation of a pond that can be accessed only by residents of West Lake and Stevens Pointe?

It should be obvious to anyone that the donation was made to have the taxpayers of the county pay for its cleanup. It also appears that Ron Cross has a lot to do with its inclusion in the bond, and he doesn't even live there. Why?

The residents of West Lake and Stevens Pointe want to maintain their private access to the pond and have the rest of the county pay for it. One of two actions should be taken by commissioners: drop the cleanup requirement from the bond referendum; or, provide complete and unfettered access to the pond.

If the residents of West Lake or Stevens Pointe object, then that part of the bond should be voted down.

David K. Simpson

Martinez