LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Why the appointment of Tara Dunn or Ed Baca is crucial for progress at the St. George Animal Shelter
Dear Animal Friends,
A quick update on the progress at the St. George Shelter. The outdoor dog park setting is stunning with the green grass against the red rocks. Last I was there, eight or nine small dogs were playing tag, having a ball on the lawn. Each dog enjoys a raised bed with a blanket and there are toys and treats for each. With the dogs spending time outdoors, the noise level at the shelter is definitely lower.
The cats are in their new open area. It is nice to see cats roaming free, napping on a cat tree or on top of the pens. Of course, there is plenty of pen for those who choose to snooze away from the other cats, and it’s not unusual to see cats batting different toys around the communal room. The cat-friendly wire is on order for the outdoor cattery and will be completed when the wire arrives. This will really add capacity to the new cat room.
We owe a round of applause to Jon Pike and Tara Dunn for their work in getting this remodeled shelter accomplished. We need to make sure our work is continued by having our voice not only heard but acted upon. Right now having that voice on the council is at great risk!
As most of you know, the new council will appoint a fifth Council member to fill Jon Pike’s vacated council seat. Many of us were under the impression this seat would automatically be filled by the third place winner. Not so. Even though Tara Dunn received 5,608 votes and Ed Bacca received 5,579 votes, there is a chance the will of the people may be ignored. Since we don’t have Jon Pike’s vote at the council, it is extremely important Tara Dunn or Ed be appointed to the council to be the voice of our shelter and carry on our work. Both Tara Dunn and Ed know the shelter issues as well as the other important issues brought forward during the campaign and are “shovel ready” to be our council person.
Please take just a minute and drop the council and Mayor Pike a note, asking them to follow the will of its citizens and appoint Tara Dunn or Ed Bacca to the council.
Further, tomorrow, Jan. 23, at 4 p.m. in the council chambers, each applicant will be given three minutes to speak to the council and St. George residents, followed by an opportunity for the council to ask follow-up questions. It is important we attend and show support for Tara Dunn and Ed and applaud their speeches.
Email addresses for your convenience:
[email protected]
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[email protected]
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[email protected]
Thank you in advance and see you this Thursday at 4 p.m.
Kris Neal
