Title: Divisions Deepen in Wilmington as Election Day Approaches
Subtitle: STRs, Board Tensions, and Social Media Fueling the Divide
Wilmington, a small town with a population of 772 residents, finds itself in the midst of a divisive election as Election Day draws near. The community is grappling with issues such as short-term vacation rentals (STRs), tensions within the town council, and the influence of social media.
Campaign signs now adorn lawns throughout Wilmington, reflecting the growing divide among citizens. A recent public forum organized by the Enterprise and Lake Placid News drew a crowd of 125 attendees, eager to hear from supervisor and town council candidates. The event also received around 50 questions from citizens, with one common concern being how to bring the community together after the election.
The impact of social media on the town’s mood is evident, with Facebook becoming a platform for both endorsements and condemnations of candidates. The town is clearly split and hurting, a sentiment shared by citizens and candidates alike, regardless of their political beliefs.
One of the key issues fueling the division is the presence and regulation of STRs in Wilmington. According to the Wilmington STR Committee, around a quarter of the town’s 414 households are short-term vacation rentals. The debate centers around the potential impact of STRs on the town’s character and housing crisis. Some candidates, like Favor Smith and Forest “Randy” Winch, express concerns about the “Lake Placid-fication” of Wilmington, while others, like Michelle Preston, argue that STRs bring value to the town.
The tensions within the town council have also contributed to the divide. Arguments over STR regulations and board member affiliations have led to mounting tensions. Accusations of conflicts of interest and allegations of favoritism have further strained relationships among board members. The lack of compromise and unwillingness to address citizens’ concerns have been cited as reasons for the division by candidates like Timothy Follos.
Social media has played a significant role in amplifying the divisions within the community. An anonymous Facebook page titled “Wilmington Election 2023” has emerged, advocating for specific candidates while raising questions about Follos’ residency in Wilmington. The page’s operators, who prefer to remain anonymous taxpayers, claim that tensions within the town have led them to withhold their identity.
As Election Day approaches, Wilmington finds itself at a crossroads. The town must grapple with the divisive issues of STRs, board tensions, and the influence of social media. The challenge lies in finding common ground and fostering unity among citizens, regardless of the election’s outcome.Wilmington Faces Division Ahead of Election Day
Wilmington, a small town in New York, is grappling with division as Election Day approaches. The town of 772 residents has become split over various issues, leading to a sense of hurt and frustration among its citizens.
Campaign signs have filled the lawns, and a public forum hosted by the Enterprise and Lake Placid News drew a crowd of 125 attendees. The forum allowed supervisor and town council candidates to address the concerns of the citizens. One question, adapted from a citizen submission, asked the candidates how they plan to bring the community together after the divisive election.
Social media platforms like Facebook have also seen an increase in endorsements and condemnations of candidates’ platforms, actions, and even body language. The mood in Wilmington is evident – it is divided and hurting. This sentiment is shared by citizens and candidates alike, regardless of their political beliefs.
One of the key issues dividing the town is the presence of short-term vacation rentals (STRs). According to the Wilmington STR Committee, around a quarter of the houses in town are STRs. Some residents are concerned that the growth of STRs will change the character of the town, similar to what happened in Lake Placid years ago.
All six candidates have addressed the issue of STRs in Wilmington. Some believe that the town should regulate and cap the number of STRs, while others argue that they bring value to the community. The debate over STRs has created divisions among the residents, with some feeling unheard and frustrated.
Tensions within the town council have also contributed to the division. Arguments over STR regulations and board member affiliations have led to mounting tensions. Accusations of conflicts of interest and questioning of integrity have further deepened the divide.
The current administration has been criticized for its unwillingness to compromise and work towards consensus. Some candidates, like Timothy Follos, have been advocating for changes in STR regulations but have faced resistance from other board members. This lack of compromise has fueled the division within the town.
As Election Day approaches, Wilmington is grappling with how to heal the divisions and bring the community together. The outcome of the election will determine the path the town takes in addressing these issues and finding common ground among its residents.
How has social media, particularly Facebook, contributed to the divisions within the Wilmington community after the election?
Ogether after the election.
Social media, particularly Facebook, has played a significant role in amplifying the divisions within the community. The platform has become a battleground for endorsements and condemnations of candidates, further fueling the divide. Both citizens and candidates recognize the town’s split and the negative impact it has on the community.
One of the key issues driving the division is the presence and regulation of short-term vacation rentals (STRs) in Wilmington. Approximately a quarter of the town’s households are STRs, sparking a debate over their impact on the town’s character and housing crisis. While some candidates express concerns about the “Lake Placid-fication” of Wilmington, others argue that STRs bring value to the town.
Tensions within the town council have also contributed to the growing divide. Disagreements over STR regulations and board member affiliations have led to mounting tensions among council members. Accusations of conflicts of interest and favoritism have strained relationships within the council, further deepening the divide.
The influence of social media on these divisions cannot be ignored. An anonymous Facebook page, titled “Wilmington Election 2023,” has emerged, advocating for specific candidates while raising questions about one candidate’s residency. The page’s operators, who choose to remain anonymous taxpayers, cite tensions within the town as their reason for withholding their identity.
As Election Day approaches, Wilmington finds itself at a crossroads. The town must find a way to address the divisive issues of STRs, council tensions, and the influence of social media. The challenge lies in fostering unity and finding common ground among citizens, regardless of the election’s outcome.
I think it’s important for the community to come together to find a balance between short-term rentals and maintaining a cohesive neighborhood.
Short-term rentals can bring economic benefits to Wilmington, but it’s crucial to tackle the concerns of neighborhood disruption and housing affordability to ensure a harmonious coexistence.