Opinion/Letters: Boat escort issue a distraction for important political discourse

I congratulate the winners of the recent local and regional elections and offer my profoundgratitude to all candidates who came forward to participate in the democratic process on theCape and Islands.

I was not a candidate. But, unfortunately, I became mired in the political rhetoric of the electionseason due to a seemingly innocent concern for public safety last summer.

In late July, I was blessed to marry the love of my life – Elizabeth – at the beautiful NauticusMarina in Osterville. We were honored that 400 guests, including many high-profile electedofficials, celebrities, athletes, and other dignitaries could join us for this very special day.

Out of concern for our guests and the community, I immediately engaged law enforcement andpublic safety consultants in the wedding planning process. The largest wedding police detail everassembled on Cape Cod was commissioned, including an escort for the bride and her attendants,who arrived at the ceremony on a miniature tugboat.

Outside interest in the highly publicized event, combined with limited parking and heavy boattraffic in the bay could have been a recipe for disaster. Today’s policing is all about anticipatingissues and not having to be reactionary. I am thankful to law enforcement officials who realizedthe gravity of the situation and worked with us to ensure that everyone had a safe andmemorable day.

It is disheartening that legitimate public safety precautions became a distraction for importantpolitical discourse. Moving forward, I hope candidates can remain focused on the critical issuesfacing our region.

George K. Regan Jr., Mashpee

Wing Island too fragile for a boardwalk

A couple of days after the Nov. 14 town meeting, tide willing, I made my way out to Wing Island. I was alone. The sweeping view across the marsh was beautiful and unfettered. The narrow footpath across the island was pristine and the vista overlooking the bay was stunning. The coast there was clean and undisturbed as were the waters flowing from Quivett Creek. A few fellow strollers, who had consulted the Brewster tide chart, were visible in the distance, mindful, as was I, that time on this particular stretch of shoreline was limited.

Have you walked this path?

It is inconceivable to me how the Brewster Select Board could possibly think elevated boardwalks allowing constant access would be good for this fragile place.

Brewster Select Board, Have you visited a beach early in the morning or at day's end?

On any given day, year-round but especially during the summer, you will find any number of things left behind.  There is often enough to fill a trash bag or two or three every day.

Brewster Select Board, Become a friend of Wing Island. Preserve it. Walk the path.

Susan Goodspeed, Brewster

A tribute to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

Nancy Pelosi was nothing short of amazing! Brilliant in leadership, even when we had the most incompetent POTUS in the history of our country. She stood right up to him. The courage and compassion she displayed during the insurrection were insurmountable!

I am so proud of her and all she has accomplished to help women, children and minorities, as well as the rest of the people in our country. She has an incredible work ethic, determination and stamina. She served the United States of America patriotically, with honor, and dignity.

If you haven’t watched her departing speech, please do. It was so well articulated, inspiring, and poignant. Nancy Pelosi certainly broke a glass ceiling for women and she will go down in history as one of — if not the most — skillful, qualified and effective House speakers in our nation's history.

Gwen Johnson, Harwich

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Cape Cod Times Letters to the Editor