What kind of growth do we want for Windham?

To the editor:

Leadership begins with the willingness to stand before the public, defend one's ideas, and take responsibility for one's decisions. A good leader need not be the smartest person in the room or have every answer. What matters is the judgment to recognize good ideas, the humility to elevate those who offer them, and the courage to act. Strong leaders lead from the front. They welcome criticism, bring people together, and work to create a level playing field where every resident has the opportunity to prosper—not just those with the strongest political connections or the biggest checkbooks. Leadership is about advancing the common good, not preserving the privileges of a select few.

That is the kind of leadership Windham needs. Our town has opportunities to strengthen its economy and improve life for residents, but we cannot realize them by merely maintaining the status quo. We must ask a fundamental question: What exactly do we mean by growth, and who should benefit from it?

Throughout this campaign, I have proposed a more active role for local government in shaping our economy. Some detractors question proposals ranging from the eventual public purchase of Windham Mountain Club to bringing more infrastructure work under municipal control. Among the most vocal is Mr. Larry F. Gardner, whose recent paid commentary in the Windham Weekly challenges several of my ideas. I welcome that disagreement. Public debate should be an opportunity to examine proposals, not a substitute for examining them.

My argument is simple: when the town can perform work more efficiently itself, we should consider doing so. That could mean greater municipal control over water and sewage services, taking the lead on selected road and infrastructure projects, and renting equipment or hiring subcontractors when practical. The objective is not bigger government for its own sake. It is strategic insourcing: reducing costs, creating good-paying local jobs, and keeping more taxpayer dollars circulating in our community.

But efficiency is only one part of Windham's economic future. Many tourism-based businesses are feeling the effects of reduced visitation. The 2016–2017 Ski New York Report cited Windham Mountain as a leading resort for turning new skiers into regular participants during the 2002–2003 season, among resorts drawing 250,000 to 500,000 annual visits. More recent figures indicate that WMC reached peak daily visitor levels of roughly 3,600 to 4,400 on only 11 days across the 2023–2025 ski seasons, even during periods described as having exceptional skiing weather. These figures describe different measures and cannot establish a direct trend by themselves, but they raise questions about the changing tourism market and its benefits for local businesses.

As Mr. Gardner writes, “There are now more than 1,500 residential living units in the Town of Windham, which have been built for ‘second homeowners.’”

There is nothing inherently wrong with second homes or tourism development. Tourism is vital to Windham. But it must be balanced with stronger local enterprises, year-round jobs, and a more diversified economy. Overdependence on a single industry leaves us exposed to outside shocks: unpredictable weather, shifting visitor habits, economic downturns, and disruptions beyond our control. Rather than putting our economic future in one basket, we should invest in businesses and services that meet residents' needs throughout the year. Growth cannot simply mean more homes, private amenities, and infrastructure built to accommodate them. It must mean greater resilience for the whole community.

Are we creating a level playing field for residents and small businesses? Are we strengthening the relationships that sustain Windham, or building an economy serving an ever narrower clientele?

Our 2020 Comprehensive Plan discusses recreational opportunities for families and children, including a community pool, bike lanes, and sidewalks. Such investments would improve everyday life for residents while making Windham more welcoming to visitors. They should be part of any serious discussion about development.

That brings us to a larger question: what does our community receive from its relationship with Windham Mountain Club?

WMC's increasingly exclusive club model emphasizes private amenities for a smaller, wealthier clientele. In my view, that risks weakening the broader tourism ecosystem that has historically sustained local hotels, restaurants, shops, and other businesses. Private investment can benefit Windham, but its success should be measured partly by how it strengthens the community around it—not just by the number of buildings or dollars invested.

Why are we not pursuing partnerships to deliver the amenities our comprehensive plan identifies? A development agreement with WMC could provide an opportunity to secure recreational infrastructure and tangible community benefits.

Mr. Gardner himself expresses confidence in the town board's ability to negotiate, writing:

“There is absolutely no basis for an assumption that the Windham Town Board in negotiating that Amendment will do anything inconsistent from its strategy in negotiating the Developer’s Agreement, and will obtain appropriate and meaningful benefits for the community.”

On this point, we agree that meaningful community benefits matter. But an opportunity to negotiate is not the same as a result. Strong leadership should be judged by what it actually secures for the public.

Why should WMC have a private Adventure Club while residents lack comparable shared recreational facilities? Why not negotiate for sidewalks, bike lanes, and a community pool? Why not encourage midweek tourism packages that send visitors to locally owned businesses? These are reasonable questions about how development can serve a wider public purpose.

We must decide what kind of growth we want. Do we want an economy increasingly dependent on exclusive developments, or one in which working families, small businesses, and visitors can all prosper? Should local government merely accommodate development, or actively negotiate for lasting public benefits? Should residents remain spectators, or become participants in deciding our future?

I support a common good economy in which residents, employees, consumers, visitors, small and medium-sized businesses, and the municipality itself can share in local prosperity. That requires a framework in which economic development produces tangible benefits across our community and creates a more level playing field. This is my idea of strong leadership: not protecting the status quo, but putting public resources, private investment, and local talent to work toward shared goals.

Strong leadership also requires a healthy political culture. Public officials should welcome difficult questions because criticism can expose weaknesses, improve decisions, and build trust. The physical and verbal intimidation that I was subjected to at the October 8th Town Board meeting must never become an accepted part of Windham's political culture. Disagreement is no excuse for intimidation, and public authority must never be used to silence criticism. When officials cross that line, they must be held accountable.

Instead, let us build a political culture on the many voices of our community. Good ideas can come from supporters and critics, newcomers and longtime residents, employers and workers alike. Our differences need not divide us; open discussion can help us find common ground. Everyone deserves to be heard and treated with respect.

The future of Windham should not be determined by the biggest checkbooks or the loudest voices. It should be shaped by the people who live, work, invest, and build their lives here. That is the kind of growth I believe in, the government I want to lead, and the common good economy I hope we can build together.

Come meet me on the Windham Path!

Join me Sunday, November 1, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., for a walk and conversation about Windham's future. Meet at the Route 23 parking lot.

I'll be the one in the Hawaiian shirt.

Connor R. Exum

Democratic Candidate For Town Supervisor

Windham, NY

‍

The views expressed in letters to the editor are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Porcupine Soup.