Dear Editor:

I believe that the Boothbay peninsula is economically sustained largely by its full- and part-time taxpaying residents, not necessarily the eight weeks of tourism, and that those residents, along with their guests, principally support the many businesses that continue to do well all year long.

It has been estimated by me, along with numerous fellow Boothbay Harbor Country Club members, that the club needs about 200 more golf members, and another 500 social members or so to become successful. Though it sounds like a tall order, those new members will eventually arrive, and will be made up of ocean, golf, tennis, and fitness-loving people from all around the country who were lucky enough to have discovered what Paul Coulombe has built with his own money, and who have the means to build or buy seasonal homes on the peninsula.

Whether he knows it or not, Paul Coulombe is not creating a "national golf destination" for tourists, principally because golf itself is declining in popularity, but rather another extremely attractive and surprisingly affordable amenity for future residents who happen to love golf. It may take a few years, but Paul Coulombe can afford to wait, and everyone on the peninsula will benefit in many ways, whether they know it or not.

Phil Molvar

Southport