Letter to the Editors: Public Restrooms

Dear Jenny,

Maybe someone needs to remind people that there are restrooms available to the public on Ocracoke and no I am not referring to the port a potties. The Park Service visitor's center has public restrooms as well as the swimming beach, the NC DOT ferry division has public restrooms at both ends of the Island at their ferry terminals. 

Those who rent cottages or motel rooms have restrooms to use and customers to the restaurants all have access to restrooms so it is not as if there are no restrooms available to the day trippers. 

This is why most of us think money can be better spent on other things than more public restrooms. 

Most of the above mentioned restrooms are within a few minutes of any day tripper who is wandering around the village, except for the ones at the ferry terminal on north end. Why is it some people keep trying to give the impression that there are no public bathrooms? We are not that much different from bigger communities or cities, restaurants, and fast food places have rest rooms for their customers, so do some gas stations, grocery stores, Lowes, Home Depot, etc. but I have seen very few if any free standing restrooms that are not tied to some business other than the State operated ones along freeways and major roads. 

It is not just the initial cost or cleaning cost, but everything has to be maintained and repaired or replaced over time. Someone would need to keep an eye on the restrooms and make sure they stay clean and working. Keep in mind that many of our visitors "trash" the ferry lounges just think what these restrooms could look like after a big day tripper day. It would be nice if those who write for the news cover all the facts and leave out their opines and smart ass comments or tries and failures at being witty or funny. The news world has forgot that they are supposed to report the news and facts, not interpret it for us, not give their opines in said reports, just the facts. 

Jenny Scarborough Responds:

Dear Anonymous,

You're right. If this were an AP news story, it would be inappropriate to include my opinion. I wrote a satiric article for April Fool's day. It was meant as comment. You're also right that a snarky attitude doesn't promote healthy dialogue.

I am of the opinion that Ocracoke's visitors, and therefore economy, would be well served by additional public restrooms.  I think the Occupancy Tax is the appropriate fund to pay for this.

I know the members of the Occupancy Tax board work with integrity, and have the best interests of the community at heart. They have to prioritize some projects over others. I trust they have reasons for not funding the toilets, but I disagree with their decision, and hope they will consider revising it.

I think it is possible for people to disagree with one another, and still be good neighbors, or friends. Will I know who you are because you stop waving?

Thank you for taking the time to write, and offering our readers another perspective.