Zoar Authority

Should Not Discriminate

To the Editor.

As a volunteer of the Leaps of Faith disabled waterskiers, I would like to try and simplify our position regarding the Lake Zoar Authority and their safety patrols.

Our mission is very clear: we enhance the lives of the disabled community (both children and adults) through the sport of waterskiing. The side effects are many: socialization, physical exercise, pure fun, and the confidence to move forward in other aspects of there lives. We are a non-profit organization that does not charge any fees to the participants.

We welcome the Lake Zoar Authority patrol boat with or without a full police presence (law enforcement); however, since one is not required, requested, or needed we certainly should not be required or obligated to pay any dollar amount to the Lake Zoar Authority. (The general public does not have to pay for this service.) We are capable, qualified, and authorized by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protect Boating Division and the Newtown police chief to do our own safety patrols (without law enforcement).

Our club has been doing these clinics for over 12 years without incident, and we would like to work with the Lake Zoar Authority, as we have been trying to do so on this issue for over a year and a half. However, the Leaps of Faith Waterski Club, the disabled skiers, and our supporters should not and will not be discriminated against. We can only hope the Lake Zoar Authority and the few difficult commissioners on the board understand this.

Joel Zeisler

90 Housatonic Drive, Sandy Hook                          October 14, 2008