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In many, if not most, towns commercial/industrial properties constitute about 40% of the tax base. They don't get to vote. But they have learned how to influence local government, usually through generosity. In lake side towns, seasonal residents are the "industry", pay taxes, no vote, no kids in school. In an extreme, they can close a plant, move or eliminate jobs, tear down the plant and take $60MM off the tax base. Removing property from the tax base isn't generally available to seasonal residents, but you can have influence. In my opinion, the Gilford Islands Association, over several decades, has done well with the Town of Gilford. We have committees and other meetings with the Board of Selectmen, they maintain the Glendale facility where we can even have UPS/Fedex deliveries as well as USPS. "Dump day" when the town provides manpower and trucks to take away refuse that is not suited to dumpsters. Last year, a beautiful new firer/rescue boat. There's more. As in any operation, there are disagreements, but for the most part it's a smooth running collaboration.