December 31, 2004

Opposition has gone too far

I believe a few comments are needed, after reading Eric Navickas' most recent diatribe against the proposed Mt. Ashland expansion. My son and I are avid skiers. We wholeheartedly support this expansion. I have read most of Mr. Navickas' and Mr. Dimitre's comments against the expansion with the hope of trying to understand this differing point of view. It is my belief that due in part to their diligence, we have now arrived at an acceptable, sensible and modest expansion plan.

However, this most recent letter to the editor (Dec. 21) by Mr. Navickas illustrates to me that common sense no longer carries the day. Now, not only does Mr. Navickas continue in his role as the point man and lightning rod for those who do not support the expansion, but also has designated himself as the chief of the "culture police."

This world according to Eric tells us what we can drive, what we can hear, how to landscape and of course that most egregious sin, whether or not to partake of skiing on Mt. Ashland. It is easy for me to now understand why many in our neighboring communities in the Valley look askance at Ashland and either laugh or shake their collective heads. It is interesting to me in a community that supposedly "celebrates diversity," small-minded zealots feel that it is their place to remind us of what is right and what is wrong. Unfortunately, it seems that some of you celebrate diversity, except when some of us happen to disagree with you. Then the celebration is over.

I don't suppose Mr. Navickas shall ever give up the fight against this modest expansion. I wonder if the Eco-gods were to come down from their sustainable Eden, and absolutely assure Messrs. Navickas and Dimitre that no harm would come to the environment, or Ashland's drinking water, would they still insist upon this obstruction? For I believe, this is where they have now taken this issue. Cloaking themselves in the guise of environmentalism, these people have become purely obstructionist in nature. Is this an ego thing? And while they continue to gnash their teeth and wring their hands concerning these 70 or so acres, the present administration in Washington is laying waste to hundreds of thousands of acres of forest lands and natural refuges.

While you gentlemen fiddle, Rome at large is burning. Maybe, just maybe, it is time for you to look to lend your attention to other areas that are crying out for help.

I do not believe as Mr. Navickas writes, that there is "overwhelming opposition" against this expansion. Between your desire to become the doyen of what is right and what is wrong, chaining yourself to the tree in front of the library, and your naked canoodling on the Plaza, you are quickly reducing yourself from respected voice to village fool.

David Skolnik
Ashland