Despite protests, council switches animal services Other Issues, posted by Editor, Mountain View Voice Online, on May 9, 2012 at 2:59 pm
A group hoping to save Palo Alto's animal shelter swayed only one member of the City Council on Tuesday in an effort to keep Mountain View from switching to a Santa Clara-based animal services provider.
Read the full story here Web Link posted Wednesday, May 9, 2012, 10:30 AM
Posted by Yep, a resident of the Castro City neighborhood, on May 9, 2012 at 3:31 pm
because a vocal group was opposed to this action does not mean that "the people of the city" were. I think this was a difficult, but sound fiscal decision. The council needs a sweep out the door on many issues, but I don't think they made a necessarily bad decision on the contract.
Just one man's opinion, I'm sure others share it and others oppose it.
Posted by Mae, a resident of the Monta Loma neighborhood, on May 9, 2012 at 10:22 pm
Unfortunately, the ONLY thing Mountain View pays any attention to these days is Google, due to the high revenue they'll be receiving for all of Google's projects. I for one am disgusted by the favoritism and cronyism (sp) going on between the city and Google, having been a tax-paying, property-owning Mountain View citizen for 17 years. Very disappointing. Also, the number of votes for each area is WAY out of balance, in my opinion. Thank you.
Posted by Andrei, a resident of the Shoreline West neighborhood, on May 9, 2012 at 11:30 pm
Well just another reminder to completely clean house next election! From us paying more for conserving water to screwing up PA Animal shelter. These people are a bunch of idiots that shouldn't be running a toaster unsupervised let alone a city! It's time to get involved, myself included and oust these parasites that don't have a brain between them.
Posted by Charlene, a resident of another community, on May 11, 2012 at 8:18 am
@Andrei--I so agree,and when it comes time to re elect, these people do an "11th hour" miracle. Its like, "Oh yeah, I need to fight for my seat, better do something!" I so get what you are saying!!!
Posted by Annette H., a resident of the Gemello neighborhood, on May 11, 2012 at 3:36 pm
While the change might be a wash for Mountain View, it's having a HUGE impact for PAAS, as the Palo Alto Council is now considering outsourcing their services. THat would leave citizens from Burlinggame (where PHS is located) to Santa Clara (where SVACA is located) without a shelter nearby. I doubt that people who need to surrender their animal can cough up the fee, plus some might not want to take the effort to drive that far. Plus the Palo Alto Spay and neuter service provided community service beyond the city border as countless rescue groups depended on that Service.
You WILL see an increase of stray, abandoned and feral cats and dogs. This is a very disappointing and HASTY decision by Mountain View's city Council.
Posted by Stephen Friberg, a resident of the The Crossings neighborhood, on May 11, 2012 at 4:12 pm
We got our dog Charlie eight years ago from the Palo Alto Animal Services, and it was a revelation in terms of how excellent an animal service could be. They were - and are - a beacon of light in this regards.
So, I'm sick at heart with the action of our city council in withdrawing our city's support for something so good.
I have read nothing that speaks of valid reasons for making the change. It seems heartless.
And it scares me that our city council - so often so excellent - would make such a cold-hearted blunder.
Posted by Jen, a resident of the Rex Manor neighborhood, on May 11, 2012 at 7:40 pm
The council gave the farm away with generous pensions. Now the animals will have to pay for it as well. The council is just that desperate to cut back on everything so they can continue to pay guys like Duggan.
Posted by CherylP., a resident of another community, on May 21, 2012 at 6:45 pm
The Mountain View City Council has had a long history of BAD DECISIONS! Elect people with brains and compassion, not these dimwits! I think an investigation should be launched to find out what might have "persuaded" them in their decision! Corruption in City Hall? Ya' think maybe?