Tom Salemi is a husband, father, and avid follower of municipal government. A writer, Tom worked at the Daily News and several other community papers, covering both city and town governments. He still writes a blog on Newburyport issues. Before moving to Newburyport, Tom served on the Sutton Planning Board, including one year as chairman.
Fifty six words. Enough to make a decision on? I certainly hope not. That's why I'm going to hold an assault rifle in my campaign shot. That should project the sense of strength I'm seeking.
Just a joke.
Keep an eye out for candidates nights and other meet and greats. I'll post details here.
6 comments:
I thought, with the heading "And I love dogs," I would be reading about the push our health department is making (announced in the paper) to issue fines to everyone everywhere caught with an off leash dog. My fellow dog owner's stories of recent ticketing events are like hearing of adventures in the wild west. Those who, like myself, thought they were perfectly within their rights to enjoy the wooded trails of Mosely Pines without leashes on their dogs are most offended.
Years ago, after attending what sounds like months of meetings to discuss refurbishing Mosely Pines, I've heard an agreement was made clear by the city council that dogs would be allowed off leash in the woods as long as they were leashed around the playground and parking lot. I'm guessing the ordinance to legitimize that agreement was, in the end, never written. You can now hear endless accounts of various animal control officers who, while ticketing shocked and defensive dog owners in Mosely Pines, have responded with considerable inappropriateness. I've heard of snide, rude remarks, raucus offensive laughter and even one officer who lied to the police when saying the dog owner pushed her! An officer was seen watching a pair of retriever's from a back yard bordering the woods run out of bounds from their electric fenced yard (it may have been off) into the woods repeatedly, writing citations every time the pair of dogs left the yard and finally presenting a stack of tickets to the home owner. What sort of nonsense is this?
I'd like to know who in our electorate benefits when owners of off leash dogs deep in the woods of Mosely Pines are ticketed? Many people are hurt and their ire swells daily. Other than the many dog walking friends I've made in the woods of Mosely Pines, I hardly ever see anyone else deep in those wooded trails other than a very occasional runner (sometimes with an off leash dog), the very occasional strolling family with young children out to explore or even more rarely, one or more people mountain biking.
Statistics show that cities where dogs don't get regular off-leash exercise have higher rates of dog complaints such as biting and incessant barking. In the process of becoming unfriendly to dogs needing exercise, Newburyport will increase dog-related problems for its populace. Rumor has it that it's Larry McCavitt is behind the push against unleashed dogs owing to an unfortunate incident concerning an unleashed dog and a family member. Way to go, Larry!
Hi Tom - I really enjoy your blog and probably would not have paid as much attention to many city issues if you had not addressed them so intelligently (and humorously) on your blog. You have my vote!
Thanks Kristin, I appreciate it.
linda- put your dog on a leash. simple. ignorance of the law is no excuse. I hope the animal control officer continues to ticket people that can't obey a simple rule.
I sure hope the animal control officer keeps an eye out on Plum Island ... there are dogs running all over the countryside. Of course, Newbury does not have a leash law and it's hard to keep those pesky Newbury dogs from peering at me through the glass in the door. It would also be helpful if someone would resume picking up roadkill. Ick.
But back to the topic at hand - good luck, Tom. I know you would be a fine addition to the commission. I'm really happy that so many people are running, given the huge commitment it requires.
Tom for mayor!!
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