Tom Blake’s Questionnaire Response
Hello SoPoDOG members-
please find Tom Blake’s response to the City Councilor Candidate Questionnaire below: AND REMEMBER TO VOTE IN TWO WEEKS!
Mr. Blake would also like to invite SoPoDOG members to the West End Trails committee meeting on November 13th at 6:00 p.m. at the Western Avenue Fire Station. Normally the group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. at the Western Avenue Fire Station.
-Crystal
South Portland Dog Owners Group Questionnaire
City Councilor At-Large Election, November 6, 2007
Q 1. Range of reasonable ordinances. In the past couple of years the city ordinances have been changed to further restrict access of individuals with their dog’s off-leash. After reviewing the city ordinances (attached to this e-mail) do you support the current ordinances now in place? If you feel changes are needed, what would they be and why?
A 1. As I clearly recognize that dogs are man’s best friend, it then becomes a question of what we can offer our best friends. Dogs are similar to children, some are well behaved and some are not. The difference is that children can play most any place and the places where dogs can play unleashed are limited. So, we need to increase the number of play yards for dogs and their owners. This is addressed in question #2.
As a possible improvement, can we allow unleashed dogs to walk by their owner as long as the dog stays with the owner? There are a few dogs that do that and do not stray at all. It is those that run free that make the issue. Perhaps a single complaint would then require that dog be leashed at future times while on sidewalks, etc. I wonder if there is precedence for this in America.
Q 2. Resolution of conflict. With many community members with interests in the same public open spaces, conflict is an inevitable part of dealing with public issues. What kinds of qualities and/or skills do you have to assist in resolution of these conflicts? How do you propose to incorporate the interests of all of the stakeholders involved?
A 2. This is where I may be able to be of the greatest help. I know the city like perhaps no other resident. I know just about every nook and cranny and most pieces of open space. I walk Hinckley nearly daily as we own an abutting property. We own four properties in South Portland so we get to see a variety of neighborhoods and people. The more open spaces we have for dog owners, the more they can play and run. Hinckley Park is a great place for them to run and often they are the only ones using the park. As the President of the South Portland Land Trust, I have actively worked for over twenty years to increase the number of open spaces in our community. I am currently leading a stewardship program that will allow us to open more trails and parks at no cost to the residents. I can think of several fairly large pieces of open space in our community that receive little or no use. We want to open these up for public use. To add these to our list of open spaces would allow more dog owners and dog’s opportunities. Also by allowing more opportunities, it seems that the more frequently used places now would receive less use and ultimately less concern from the non dog owners. As Chair of the West End Trails Committee I would encourage a Dog Owners Association member to join the Committee. It is a community project and a greater participation enhances our chances of success.
Q 3. Beach access. Willard Beach is currently closed to dogs after 9 a.m. from May 1 through September 30. Would you support allowing more time for dogs on Willard during that period when relatively few people use the beach (in the evenings for example)?
A 3. My understanding is that this is a health issue and that increased use of the beach by dogs during this time would potentially endanger the quality of the sand for those that do use it. If there is little use in the evenings and indeed my understanding is incorrect, then it could be evaluated further. I would need to know more numbers and the exactly quality and health standards of the existing sand. To me the answer is finding more locations to take dogs and lessen the burden on the more popular spots.
Q 4. Enforcement and paying for it. Do you feel the city is enforcing dog ordinances adequately? If not, what changes do you think should be made?
A 4. I was unable to talk with the animal control officer. However, owning four properties in the city and having a lawn maintenance business in the city for 22 years, I can clearly see that the problem of animal feces is a lot less that is was a few years ago. I can go a whole year and only have dog feces on my lawn once. Twenty years ago it was a daily occurrence. This indicates to me that the laws are working. Early in my career as a Firefighter/paramedic I can recall several horrible dog bites on young children. I can recall none over the past decade or so. I also know that Stan (Officer Stan Brown, Animal Control Officer) seems to be out straight all of the time, another indication that the laws are being enforced.
Additional Comments by Mr. Blake:
I would like to present my interesting perspective on animals. I have Samter’s Triad Asthma and am allergic to dogs. It broke my heart when twice we had to return dogs that we tried with our children. Due to this, I have been able to sit back and observe what an integral part dogs play in our lives. I have to stay my distance but can see that many homes have pets in South Portland. In my career I entered over 1,000 homes and became keenly aware at how they are a part of our lives. I saw my oldest daughter and her family devastated as they had to put their dog down this past spring. I am also an avid hiker and see many dogs on the trail. We must accommodate dogs as best we can and treat them as they are, man’s best friend!
End of response_______________________________________
Monday, October 22, 2007