Hereford Lighthouse Management Should Stay With ‘Friends’

To the Editor: 
The purpose of this letter is to demonstrate what the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse has come to mean to the community, under the stewardship of the Friends of the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, and the Friends’ ability to manage the property.
During a very stressful period in my life, a time during which finding any serenity was almost impossible, I began to visit the gardens at the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse. My favorite spot was in the shade garden.
It is a little space tucked beside the gazebo and surrounded by trees and shade-tolerant plants. There is a small bench where I would sit and try to calm my anxieties. I felt like the trees and plants were giving me a big hug, and I would find those few moments of serenity I desperately needed.
I know I am not alone in my love of these gardens. There are so many, who go there to meditate, reflect and find serenity.
I have bought memorial bricks for three friends who have passed, and their families love to visit the gardens and remember their loved ones.
The mayor has indicated that he plans on removing the trees which block the wind and protect the gardens. The trees also provide privacy from neighboring properties.
If the city is allowed to take over the management of the property, the current gardens will be destroyed. The beauty will be replaced with views of swimming pools and folks partying on balconies of neighboring homes. This magical place where one can meditate, reflect and find serenity will be gone forever.
A few years ago, I was approached about keeping the books for the Friends. I was thrilled for the opportunity.
The books are audited annually by an accounting firm selected by the city. It is a very detailed audit, and reports have been very positive about our accounting practices. No one would know, better than I, the ability of this group to manage their finances and provide complete transparency of their finances.
Anyone who visits the lighthouse can see the property is well maintained and managed with only $5,000 per year of taxpayer funds. The Friends are the most qualified to maintain and manage this important site.
I hope the state will do the right thing and lease the property directly to the Friends of the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse. Mayor Patrick Rosenello, please let the Friends continue this important work.