To the Editor: 

I’ve been a Chilmark summer resident for 24 years, but this will be my last. It’s not worth the risk. 

Deer are the principal host for several serious diseases — one of them without a cure. There’s no reason to have them here.

Some of us can avoid the risk — we just won’t come. But those who live here don’t have that choice.

For both physical and economic health, the community should decide now to eliminate the deer population.

Michael L. Ryan
New York, N.Y.