The Town Council in a 4-1 vote just completed a charade in which there has been little pretense of representing the will of the citizens of Jamestown. We should all be outraged that four of five elected councilors in an August meeting summarily voted to retain the RV park at Fort Getty. August provides prime-time opportunities for political shenanigans since most Jamestown residents are involved with the many distractions of summer.

The four culprits have reflected personal biases in favor of retaining the park since the beginning of the supposed open-evaluation process. They transparently are not willing to allow a public referendum on Fort Getty because they fear the results will not support their personal preferences. Their actions were a pathetic effort to enforce their personal preferences apparently in response to previous public input that clearly reflected a majority desire to investigate other park-use options and allow Jamestown citizens to vote on the outcome.

In a recent meeting, these elected representatives of the people refused to address the question of whether to retain the RV park in favor of only being willing to discuss and consider how it might be modified. When pushed hard on this question in the past, the general response has been that as elected representatives they can vote however they wish. That is true. This is why the four culprits need to be unseated in favor of those who believe the will of the people must prevail on important issues facing the island.

Regarding the issue of Jamestown residents being willing to share Fort Getty with visitors, let’s be quite clear: Fort Getty is not an RV park open to the visiting public who can enjoy equal access as campers. The RV sites at Fort Getty are a long-term, inexpensive, privileged summer vacation home option reserved for a few families who have the first option to retain the site the following year. There is little turnover from year to year. The elaborate decking and other fixtures that are installed each year by these returning residents tell the story.

If the citizens of Jamestown vote on an referendum to retain the RV park in any form, I will absolutely accept that decision because it will reflect the will of the majority who care enough to vote. However, if we are not outraged by being denied a voice and a vote via referendum on this important matter reflecting the future of the island, than we deserve what we get. In Jamestown we are supposed to be better than politicians with personal agendas. So let’s be better.

Citizens should demand in mass this vote be overturned by any legal means available in favor of allowing Jamestown residents the opportunity to vote on a referendum on the future of Fort Getty.

Randy Keck
America Way
Jamestown