As a seasonal resident, I sit removed from the governance of Martha’s Vineyard and many of those consequences. I own a home, pay taxes, but I have no ability to affect change.

Nonetheless, I am deeply saddened by recent events.

A young man dies of an overdose from a well known dealer who has been under police surveillance. A young woman loses a leg in a moped accident having been insufficiently trained . . . the testing track rule from 2004 has been waived every year. An enterprising fellow has petitioned to have a huge “medical marijuana” facility built next to a school. The winter population being only 16,000 people. The local papers weekly list the DUI arrests. (Many of those cases are dismissed.)

Where is the common sense?

People originally gathered together to form communities first and foremost for security. So where is the security? It seems that the community at large suffers for the freedoms of the drug dealers, moped rental owners and the marijuana growers. The rest of the Island somehow complies. After tragedy, a teddy bear display or another support group seems to be the only response.

Where is the common sense?

Why can’t those people elected or hired to protect the community do their job — protect?

Kathryn Westfall Gidwitz
Vineyard Haven