Some Options For LZA

And Leaps Of Faith

To the Editor:

I’d like to respond to the two letters in the October 17 Bee, from Paul Gallichotte [“What’s The Real Reason For LZA Patrols?”] and Joel Zeisler [“Zoar Authority Should Not Discriminate”], of the Leaps of Faith Disabled Waterskiers Club. I am a commissioner on the Lake Zoar Authority (LZA), but this letter is only my personal opinion. I’ve heard nothing but admiration for the good works of Leaps of Faith …. that is not the issue here!

In a nutshell, the LZA requires police presence for events that restrict lake use, while Leaps of Faith Zeisler feels police presence is “not required, requested or needed.” DEP determined that decisions on the need for police patrols is the responsibility of the LZA. Gallichotte said: “That’s a mistake on the DEP’s part.” These gentlemen are entitled to their opinions, but the LZA is legally bound to abide by state law and DEP regulations.

In an 8/14/08 letter to Leaps of Faith, the Monroe first selectman stated: “I am in agreement with the other towns that comprise the Lake Zoar Authority (LZA), that no LZA funds should be used to support a private non-profit organization…” It doesn’t get much clearer than that! The letter was in response to an 8/12/08 letter and presentation from Leaps of Faith, not lobbying by any LZA commissioners, as Gallichotte alleged.

Gallichotte indicated: “The cost started at $800 per clinic.” That figure is the actual hourly cost of a police patrol. In response to Leaps of Faith’s request, LZA reexamined our costs and now charge only for salaries and fuel, which dropped the rate to $205 in 2008. In spite of this 74 percent reduction, Leaps of Faith only wants to pay $100.

Some options:

Eliminate restricting use of the lake for other boaters, which eliminates the requirement for police. This was done successfully for the final Leaps of Faith event this season.

Leaps of Faith request DEP EnCon officers, to provide police for the events.

Leaps of Faith ask the Town of Oxford, which welcomes nonprofits requests, for money to cover the costs.

Leaps of Faith fundraise, to cover the cost of the police. The ~40 hours spent lobbying at LZA meetings, might raise enough to cover the cost.

I understand an LZA Commissioner arraigned a $1,000 donation by his employer, which covered the police cost for this season.

Hold events on a lake whose town(s) doesn’t require police.

Both Leaps of Faith letters imply there are a couple of “difficult commissioners” responsible. Please note the decisions in question, all passed by a clear majority (only one dissention). Some past LZA administrations had Leaps of Faith members as LZA commissioners, and did not charge the Leaps of Faith for patrols. Today’s LZA is conducted on a more professional level, by Chairman Steve Jaroszewski. Rehashing this is delaying working on matters such as water quality, weed control, etc. LZA Commissioners are all volunteers, doing our best to protect and serve the community, at a fair cost to all taxpayers.

I would urge anyone reading this letter, to consider a donation to the Leaps of Faith Disabled Waterskiers Club, so they may continue this fine work.

Frank Viola

320 Great Quarter Road, Sandy Hook                    October 22, 2008