The following are responses that were received from Candidates running for the Suffolk County Legislature**. It is important to know who supports our efforts to create off leash areas for us dog owners and our dogs. Please check our website and Newsday (11/7/05) to find your legislative district and candidates.

    And remember -

    We are dog owners and we Vote !!!!!

    ** Legislators Jon Cooper (18th District) and John Kennedy (12th District) have already shown support through their efforts at Coindre Hall and Blydenburgh Park. Also, candidate Lou D'Amaro (17th District) has given us a statement of support. Click here to read his statement.

Candidate Questionnaire 2005 Responses

    1. Are you aware that 45% of American households including those in Suffolk County own at least one dog?

• Vivian Viloria-Fisher (5th District): Yes, I own two.
• Dennis Garetano (17th District): Yes, I thought it was higher.
• William Lindsay (8th District): Yes
• Lynne Nowick (13th District): Yes
• Steve Stern (16th District): Yes
• Greg Wagner (18th District): Yes

    2. Do you believe that off leash activities for dog owners and their dogs are a valid form of recreation on a par with horseback riding, mountain biking, golfing, fishing, swimming, camping and hiking?

• Vivian Viloria-Fisher: Yes, my daughter has a "dog playground" on the corner of her street in Phila. PA and loves it.
• Dennis Garetano: Yes
• William Lindsay: Yes
• Lynne Nowick: Yes
• Steve Stern: Yes
• Greg Wagner: Yes

    3. Do you support creating off leash areas for dog owners and their dogs in portions of the 50,000 acres of Suffolk County Parkland?

• Vivian Viloria-Fisher: Yes, Our County parks need to be used more. This is a good use.
• Dennis Garetano: Yes
• William Lindsay: Yes
• Lynne Nowick: Yes
• Steve Stern: Yes
• Greg Wagner: Yes

    4. Would you consider sponsoring legislation to create an off leash area on county parkland in your district?

• Vivian Viloria-Fisher: Yes
• Dennis Garetano: Yes
• William Lindsay: Yes, provided that they do not impact adjoining neighborhoods.
• Lynne Nowick: Yes, if insurance concerns were addressed and authorized.
• Steve Stern: Yes
• Greg Wagner: Yes

5. What statement would you like to make to the more than 500,000 residents of Suffolk County who own a dog about off leash activities on Suffolk County Parkland?

• Dennis Garetano: I do not just say that I am a dog lover. I have proven that in my 12 years of promoting pet expos. My wife Karen has bred Springer Spaniels and showed from 1963 - 1987.
• William Lindsay: I would support efforts to create off leash areas in our larger parks with the understanding that dog owners would help in the maintenance and clean-up of the designated areas.
• Lynne Nowick: As the "proud parent" of three cats I know the special bond we have with our pets. I have supported many pet and wildlife initiatives as Legislator including the 2 dog parks and the balloon bill (for turtles). I have also secured funds for the Grateful Paw Shelter in Huntington.
• Steve Stern: Not only will I strongly support legislation to create an off leash area, I will gladly draft and sponsor it.
• Greg Wagner: Open space isn't only for biking and hiking. Let's work together to locate and create a safe off leash area in our County.

    As always, keep in touch by e-mailing us at lidog_news@yahoo.com.