To the Editor:
I am alarmed at the apparent determination of the Berne Town Board to push through a law that seriously changes the living environment in Berne without putting this change to the townspeople for a vote.

The decision to permit ATVs on town roads impacts everyone in Berne. While I am opposed to the law, which I feel will bring far more negatives than positives to the town, if it were put to a vote one could at least reconcile oneself to the idea that this is something a majority of the community wants to enact. 

There is no reason for the Berne Town Board to rush this law. Enacting it on the strength of the board member vote alone is not only a serious disservice to democratic values in the town, it virtually guarantees increased hostility between the pro and con groups. 

I think most people will agree that the hostility between political groups in this country is already both worrisome and decidedly unpleasant. This is not the way to feel like a community. 

If the people of Berne want to have ATVs on the roads, let them vote to approve it. 

Laurie Searl

Berne