Longtime Devil’s Lake homeowner endorses commissioners’ view of BM 21-203

To the editor:

I wholeheartedly agree with Lincoln County‘s commissioners opposition to Ballot Measure 21-203. Our beautiful historic house on north Devil’s Lake has been my home away from home for over 30 years, where we’ve befriended and employed many wonderful neighbors in our expansive, diverse community.

Some of them lost their homes in the Echo Mountain fire last year. We welcomed them to stay with us until they found permanent housing. This is what good neighbors do.

Unfortunately, today a small, select group of privileged individuals are aggressively promoting the passage of this ballot measure. How nice it must be for them to live the high life on their out-of-state wealth, having zero reliance on the income short-term rentals and tourism provides. Income that is vital to the countless hard working residents of Lincoln County.

For decades, city and community leaders strive to promote Lincoln County’s tourism industry because they clearly understand and appreciate the significance of this sustainable, irreplaceable resource. I encourage all Lincoln County voters to reject Ballot Measure 21-203, and send a clear message to it’s sponsors their utopian neighborhood ideology is not welcome here.

— Walt Saling/Tigard