Deer are pests

Dear Suzie, Mayor Ed, John Winter and Editor, Saratoga Sun:

With a combined 166 years of living experience in many summer and winter recreation/resort type communities and a lifetime of Real Estate ownerships in large and small communities in many States, Ruth and I would like the Town and residents of Saratoga to consider the following information as it relates to this new proposed “Fence ordinance”. Our, and most peoples largest asset, is their homes which sooner or later get sold with the hope of a reasonable return on their investment. Since Town resident Deer are a serious problem to many home owners, due to the endless damage to gardens, flowers, trees, scat, barking dogs day and night and the Deer’s aggressive nature at times, the Town should seriously consider removing these Town pests to their natural habitat or eliminate them by contributions to the winter wild game program. Then, quit feeding these pests and allow them to forage much better out of town. Each Saratoga homeowner, business owner and Realtor is encouraged to consider the present open and natural views of as much of our wide open spaces as possible from our homes and as we travel throughout Town. Our natural countryside of mountains, rivers and lakes and prairie and sagebrush landscape is unique. Fences of every description, height, and Deer discouragement additions to fences (wire, red flagging, lattice, snow fencing, etc.) are less than attractive and do affect the present and future resale value in every neighborhood as much as unsightly yard trash, debris, junk cars and old broken down rusted out logging equipment and junk of every description. Ed, please crank up your Town volunteer “Clean up the Town” committee. Then pass an ordinance to remove the Deer with the Game Warden’s help and participation. Keep the approved future Town fences a reasonable height, reasonably attractive and somewhat uniform. Whatever you pass will effect everyone, resident or visitors, and it will be cast in stone for many future years. Consider putting these issues on the next ballot for the citizens to decide what they want as it is their pocketbook that takes the hit of poor Ordinances.

Sincerely, Leon and Ruth Hetherington, off and on residents since 1936.