Paris needs to rethink ATV approach

Twice, in the past 12 months, the right of ATV users to ride their machines along public ways in the town of Paris has been the subject of bitter disputes. One was resolved a few months ago, while the other, concerning Gravel Pit Road, is ongoing.

Both times, the Board of Selectmen has been caught between two warring factions, each of which has threatened lawsuits against the town.

Both times, the board has made a good faith effort to navigate the rocky terrain by trying to bring about amicable resolutions that please both parties.

Time and money,( in the form of legal fees), have been spent on this issue.

And it seems likely that disputes such as these are going to continue to arise.

What Paris lacks is a healthy, resolution-oriented process that can address such issues before they blow up into lawsuits, hard feelings, and threats.

Town leaders should consider forming an entity that would meet occasionally to keep an eye on potential issues including those caused by use of ATVs, snowmobiles, and similar vehicles (or, if such a body exists, it should be dusted off and brought into play).

A permanent system should be put in place to allow opponents to address concerns together. This could be as simple as a moderated forum or it could include an attempt to bind parties to the decisions of an arbitrator.

There must be a better way for Paris to handle such disputes, and we urge town leaders to find that way, before they face any more lawsuit threats.