Dear Supervisor McGowan:

I have been a resident of Fair Harbor, Fire Island for many years and as such I am also a taxpayer. The fragile Island environment, the many jurisdictions governing the Island, and the literally miles of open water between here and the main part of Islip make Fair Harbor difficult to administrate. But make no mistake; Fire Island provides important protective features to the mainland that should not be forgotten. Major tax revenue is generated from business serving the Island, the ferry services, and retail business.

Recently, evidence is mounting that the Town of Islip, under your governance, has decided to distance itself from the management and needs of the beach communities. Witness the abandonment of the Dune District, the lack of initiative to obtain FEMA/State grant monies for code improvements, and very important; the missing leadership to maintain beach safety by failing to obtain Public Beach Lifeguard Permits from the Suffolk County Health Department.

The last public safety issue is very dear to our hearts. I have been informed that the community in fact has placed the Town on notice for the resulting risks to residents, especially children.

I urge you to show more leadership in providing municipal services to your residents, taxpayers, and voters on the beach and to provide those services more equitably among all the residents of the Town of Islip.

We would like to invite you to join us at our next Community Association meeting to answer questions from concerned residents. Perhaps you may be able to pick up a few votes. Voter Registration Cards will be available.

Please give me a call at (xxx) xxx-xxxx (wkds) or (xxx) xxx-xxxx (weekday evenings) to discuss these and any other matters.

Your attention to my concerns is greatly appreciated. 

6/99

I am a homeowner in Fair Harbor, Fire Island. At the last meeting of the Fair Harbor Community Association, I was made aware of the possibility that there will not be any lifeguard coverage on our beaches this summer.

Lifeguards are absolutely essential to the safety of our residents. Every year scores of swimmers are rescued from the dangerous surf. Some would surely have perished if not for the efforts of our capable lifeguards.

We, as taxpayers, must rely on our legislators to provide a secure environment for our recreation areas. Public safety is your responsibility. Our children deserve to swim in a secure environment. You must provide us with leadership that will lead us to a permanent solution. Nothing less is acceptable.

With this writing, I and my fellow citizens of the Hamlet of Fair Harbor are informing you that we hold you responsible for the safety of the public using our beaches. The municipal liability is staggering. Our citizens are outraged. Rise to the task. Enable us to regain confidence in our elected officials. Give us back our lifeguards.

The impending disaster can be headed off, but only with your help.

Respectfully submitted,