Message would be don't go near the Broads, speed trumps safety

To the editor,

As you know there is a lot of high pressure political maneuvering going on regarding this bill. Unfortunately, a very selfish few are trying desperately to classify a section of the Big Lake a "racetrack". Will such an amendment — raising the daytime speed in the Broads to 55 MPH — make the lake safer. Well, of course not!

The Broads is a wonderful place for all pleasure craft. All sizes of small craft crisscross the Broads because the fun in having a boat on the Big Lake is going places... to the Weirs, Meredith for lunch or dinner, Paugus Bay for ice cream; Wolfeboro for shopping and the list goes on.

When I was a camp waterfront director on Cow Island we sent overnight canoe trips; sailing trips and even rowing trips back and forth across the Broads camping out at sister and brother camps. The Broads is a great place to sail, wind surf and water-ski on a calm day. Many of these craft have very limited maneuverability. They are totally defenseless when any boat bears down on them at an excessive speed.

The present 45/30 law was researched and studied for years before it was enacted. In the short time it has been in effect the Lake has been noticeably safer and perceived safer by the hundreds of thousands of visitors to the region. The current law, when it was under consideration and when it was passed by overwhelming numbers, sent a strong message that Lake Winnipesaukee was a family destination, that the state supported safety and that excessive speed on the Lake would not be tolerated. Any amendment that would increase allowable speeds anywhere on the Lake will send a very different message.

The message will be: Lake Winnipesaukee may be a little safer but don't go near the Broads because that is where speed trumps safety!

My views are shared by the vast majority of voters in the Lakes Region. This is our home. Our livelihood depends on clean water, clean air and the safe opportunity to enjoy it and share it with our visitors. Please support the current 45/30 mph law without change. Urge the Senate Transportation Committee to vote 'inexpedient to legislate' on SB-27. NO REPEAL NO AMENDMENT

Ed Touhey

Meredith