Mr. Levy,

    I am writing to you concerning several incidents which have recently occurred in Suffolk County parks that reflect rather badly on the professionalism of some county employees and cast a shadow over the open and cooperative process I thought we were following to establish modern policies for shared usage of parklands to reflect the needs of Suffolk residents in 2006.

    As you may be aware, over 46% of county residents own at least one dog. Pet dogs bring valued companionship to these residents and are at least as important a part in their lives and leisure time as golf, sailing, horseback riding, or fishing are to other users of public lands. Outdoor recreation with dogs not only provides an enjoyable leisure activity for the dogs and owners, but also enhances the health and well-being of the animal through exercise and socialization. These two types of activities are widely recognized by animal health and behavior experts as essential to a well adjusted and healthy dog. Dog owners who meet to socialize with their dogs at county parks are responsible pet owners, who make sure that the dogs are kept under control, pick up after their dogs, and respect the shared use of the park by all.

    With the suburbanization of Long Island, the need for open areas for this type of recreation by dogs and their owners has become more pronounced. Dog owners have been working in good faith with county officials to establish legitimate off-leash facilities within the parks to reflect the needs of the dog owners along with those of other county residents. In particular, we have been working on the usage plans for Coindre Hall and Blydenburgh County Parks.

    This past week we have witnessed incidents in both parks where county employees have threatened action to “fight” legislation and negotiations at the two parks. The employee at Coindre’s comment was “This is war!” uttered with a raised night stick in hand!

    As a taxpayer and a voter of Suffolk County, frankly, I am appalled at such behavior from public employees about policies which are being defined in a very cooperative and legitimate process through our elected and appointed county officials. I sincerely hope that their attitude does not reflect on those of the parks department or board of trustees, who we believe are to be negotiating and defining this policy in the same good faith as the dog owners.

    Suffolk County needs to dedicate at least some of its thousands of acres of parkland to this important constituency. Dogs have been valued members of our families for centuries. Responsible dog owners who really care about their dogs are discovering across the country that the best way to do this is to bring them to a park where they can meet, socialize, and play with other dogs. It is simply not fair that only one tiny parcel of land is provided for all of Suffolk County’s dog owning residents to exercise their dogs.

    And it is simply not right that public employees would voice such vehement opposition to a group of responsible taxpayers and legitimate park users.

    Regards,

    C W