The vacation rental crisis is a symptom, but who’s going to call out the elephant?

We need a diversified economy that supports our local community through access to housing and fair-paying jobs. We need to be radical but not unreasonable. We need to advance and support the vision of the “Green New Deal” set forth by U.S. Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez to stop climate change, achieve environmental sustainability, create millions of good jobs, and realize economic prosperity for all. Our Adirondack communities are experiencing an influx of visitors and second homeowners because we offer what is quickly disappearing from the American landscape: wild lands and small town culture. While the focus of the candidates for our upcoming local election is hovering grossly on Airbnb, without discrediting that it’s an issue that must be addressed, I urge our community and candidates to elevate the debate. Our inflated housing market and housing shortage is a mere symptom of climate change and disproportionate wealth. We have the privilege of living in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. And with that, the only responsibility that will ever matter; did we protect it?

And so I challenge you, and myself, to vote for the candidates who are reaching beyond the vacation rental debate to a greener, prosperous and inclusive future. It’s ours if we want it.

Jennifer Jubin

Lake Placid