I find it repulsive that columnist David Collins chose his July 10 commentary to turn price gouging into a racial matter as he notes beach passes on the rise in East Lyme for non-residents, “Is East Lyme price gouging on nonresident beach passes?”.

Charging for non-residents at town beaches is not new. What is new is having the small towns that do have their beaches open assume the responsibility to have increased numbers of beach goers. Discrimination is not the issue here. Safety for individuals and attempts by towns to recover financially are the concerns. East Lyme residents, including seniors, saw an increase in their cost of beach passes this year as well as non-residents.

In a time when racial commenting is so volatile, I am disappointed that an injustice due to discrimination of race should be included in his comments. East Lyme hosts individuals to their coastline access through their beaches and their popular walking trail, the Boardwalk. When capacity due to COVID-19 are met, tax-paying residents, as well as non-residents, are restricted.

Use the media to help right the wrongs that are legitimate causes for our country’s present climate. I am a senior resident and have seen how the 1960s divided our country, resulting in both harmful and positive measures. Help, don't hurt.

Nancy Patty

East Lyme