With all the discussion going on about dogs in South Portland, I have to share a hard lesson I’ve learned. When Rosemarie DeAngelis was going door-to-door in our Willard neighborhood a few years ago, she asked for my vote. I said I had two issues that were important to me: 1- Property taxes. I was worried about my own, and even more upset about what would happen to elders who might get “squeezed” out of their life-long homes by skyrocketing taxes. 2- I wanted to be able to continue to walk my dog on Willard Beach. (The dog issue was already a concern during the last election.)
She said she shared both concerns. She said, and I quote, “I love dogs.” I admired her for taking the time to hit the pavement and talk directly to her constituents. I voted for her, and urged other dog owners to do the same.
She gave no indication of her current, very conservative stance on dog access to the beach. Had she been completely forthcoming, I never would have voted for her. I was naive to take her at her word. I’m eagerly awaiting the next election so I can vote for another candidate.
But it’s not just that DeAngelis is advocating for greater restrictions on beach access for dogs. It’s that she, and other council members, have confused the “urgent” with what’s truly “important.” Yes, dogs on the beach is a big issue for myself and others. And I hope we reach a good solution for all involved. But the dog issue has become urgent because many people are calling the council and writing the papers to plead their cause. The City Council has allowed their priorities to be set by a small group of vocal people that don’t want dogs on the beach. But is this truly what the council should be focused on? I think not.
In business and life, you need to focus on the “80/20 rule.” Statistics show that if something works 80 percent of the time, it’s not worth the effort to make a change. The current dog rules work for probably 90 percent of the people in South Portland. The council should have realized this and left the issue alone. Instead, they let the “10 percent” dictate their agenda. The council has upset the 5 percent who want dogs on the beach and the 5 percent that don’t, and turned their attention away from the truly important issues of the city. Increasing the city government’s efficiency while lowering expenses, pursuing elder tax relief, and other critical issues should be getting the lion’s share of their effort and attention.
Elected officials entrusted with the public welfare need to see beyond the urgent to what’s truly important. DeAngelis, and others, have failed to do this. I will ask more detailed questions the next time a candidate comes knocking.
Leslie Cummings
South Portland
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