Any Surprise That the School Board Missed the Mark by
Millions?
Any Surprise That the School Board Missed the Mark by Millions?
Dear Editor,
Is it any surprise that the Gilroy Unified School District Board was so wrong in their estimation of cost to build the new high school?
This is the same group of people that allow obscenities and harassment to be carried out by students against faculty at the existing high school. If they can’t even do the basic job of school governance and support teachers in the classroom, I don’t see why anybody would expect them to do something as complicated as cost estimates for a new school.
The lack of leadership provided by the Superintendent Edwin Diaz and the assistant superintendent played no small part as well, of that I have no doubt.
Mike Zimmershead, Gilroy
Local Legislation Should Be Directed at Owners of ‘Vicious’ Dogs
Dear Editor,
I have two “bully” dogs, they were both rescued from bad situations. They are both fixed because I believe in breeding for the betterment of the breed. Currently my American Staffordshire Terrier competes in agility, rally obedience and dock diving. He has earned titles with AKC, USDAA, and in other dog sports. My American Pit Bull Terrier has her Canine Good Citizen from AKC, she has pass the ASPCA Temperament Test and she is registered with Therapy Dog International). Legislation that would impose breed bans or required muzzles when outside the home, would effectively destroy everything we have worked so hard to do with and for them.
As incredible as it may seem with all the hysteria that surrounds the breed today, the fact is that responsible “bully” breeders have always bred for dogs with a very even and predictable temperament and culled dogs that showed any aggression toward humans. Bully dogs generally score higher than other breeds on temperament tests, 95 percent of pit bulls pass the examination, compared with a 70 percent average for all other breeds. These dogs are highly intelligent, easily trained, very loyal, and eager to please. Pit Bulls have proven their good canine citizenry and suitability as family pets for many years. They are being used in search and rescue, service for the handicapped, police, therapy, drug sniffing, farm and livestock herding and they are lovable athletes that excel in most dog sports.
They have been stars of the cinema, “The Little Rascals,” “Our Gang,” and “The Incredible Journey”. Contrary to media hype, most Bully Breed Dogs still deserve this favorable reputation. Likewise, most “bully” owners are responsible citizens, not thugs who want a vicious dog by their side for a macho image.
Careful research and planning is needed to create effective legislation that targets the owners.
1. Imposing substantial fees to keep dogs and cats intact would encourage more people to spay/neuter their pets, thus addressing pet overpopulation.
2. Breeding restrictions; permits for breeding, with fines imposed for those who breed without them, for selling under age animals and selling in flea markets, etc. this will target irresponsible owners and unscrupulous breeders.
3. A clear definition of behavioral criteria for classifying individual dogs is needed, without reference to specific breed, as “vicious” and “potentially dangerous.”
4. The law should outline the behavior expected of dog owners and prescribe penalties for violating these guidelines for responsible ownership. Owners must take responsibility for their dogs.
5. Age restrictions for owning any breed of dog would help. Most young people under the age of 21 are not financially stable enough to shoulder the responsibility of a dog. And most children under the age of 15 should not be allowed to walk any large breed dog without adult supervision.
Effective legislation should be enforceable, economically feasible, correctly targeted and reasonably fair. Raising a dog in a socially responsible manner involves owner education, proper breeding, socialization, training and love. We should not penalize entire breeds and their responsible owners for the stupidity and malignancy of a non-representative minority.
Nancy Hjelmstad, Gilroy
Appreciates Columnist Who Does His Research and Writes Effectively
Dear Editor,
I always follow the really sharp and great writer Marty Cheek’s political articles. Cheek is really the guy who does the job of a writer when it comes to government and politics.
I always learn from his objective, well-researched topics he write about. This good article by Cheek is a great tool to help me tell the San Jose mayoral candidates apart.
Thanks, again Marty, for doing the job of good investigative and enlightening writing for the Dispatch.
Laura Wuest, La Honda
