At the end of August, the Humane Society sent out a legislative questionnaire to all individuals running for Calhoun County Commissioner, Prosecutor, and Sheriff, and asked that they fill out the survey, provide a photo and come in for a tour of our facility along with the opportunity to discuss important animal welfare issues in our community.

Our goals were to raise community awareness of local animal care and control issues and to educate local officials on important issues facing the animal care and control community. HSSCM will not endorse any candidate, but we want to share the information gleaned from the surveys and conversations with you, our stakeholders.

As of Tuesday, October 16, the following individuals had made appointments and came in to tour the facility and talk about animal welfare concerns:

Prosecuting Attorney:
David Gilbert*

Sheriff:
Brad Palmer
Matt Saxton*

District 1 Commissioner
(Battle Creek City Precincts 3, 4, 11, 20, 22, 23, Springfield City Precincts 1, 2)
Kathy-Sue Dunn*

District 2 Commissioner:
(Battle Creek City Precincts 7, 10, 12, 13, 19, 21, portion of 18)
Terris Todd*

District 3 Commissioner:
(Battle Creek City Precincts 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 14, 16, 17, portion of 15 & 18)
Jim Haadsma*
Chip Spranger*

District 4 Commissioner:
(Bedford Charter Precincts  1, 2, 3, 4 Convis and Pennfield Charter Townships Precincts  1, 2, 3, Battle Creek City portion of Precinct 15)
Steve Frisbie
Dave Morgan*

District 5 Commissioner:
(Athens, Emmett Charter Precincts  1, 2, 3, 4 Leroy and Newton Townships)
Derek King*
Teresa Phillips*

District 6 Commissioner:
(Marshall City Precincts  1, 2 Burlington, Clarendon, Eckford, Fredonia, Marengo, Marshall Precincts  1, 2 Tekonsha Townships)
Harry Marshall*
Blaine VanSickle

District 7 Commissioner:
(Albion City Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, Albion, Clarence, Homer, Lee & Sheridan Townships)
Scott Brown*
Art Kale*

*denotes candidate also submitted their completed Legislative Questionnaire

For the individuals who came in for a tour, we provided a printed copy of Animal Control and Projection Ordinance No. 6 from the Calhoun County, Michigan Ordinances (available online here), a copy of our most recent Critter Chronicles newsletter, information on our Low Income Spay and Neuter (LISN) program, and the 2010 and 2011 Animal Statistics Table for the Calhoun County Animal Center (online available here), as that is the shelter that holds the City contracts for animal control. We talked about our facility, our programs and services, and encouraged them to visit the Calhoun County Animal Center on Union Street.

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“We will have to work with each municipal government to work on the problem [of feral/stray cat overpopulation].”
–Matt Saxton

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Do you have any pets?

Of those who submitted a survey, only Terris Todd and Teresa Phillips have not recently had pets. Jim Haadsma has a Welsh Corgi and a cat; Scott Brown has two chocolate labs and two cats; Dave Morgan’s mini dachshund has passed; David Gilbert has a cocker spaniel and two cats; Derek King has a lab mix; Harry Marshall has four cats; Chip Spranger has a Shi Tzu; Kathy-Sue Dunn has a English Bull Terrier; Matt Saxton has a schnauzer and a chihuahua.

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.“Like everything else, there is never enough money [for animal control].”
–Art Kale

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Do you believe issues related to the population of stray dogs and/or cats negatively impact important development strategies in our community?

All candidates noted that stray animals are an issue in our community. Kathy-Sue Dunn and David Gilbert noted that stray dogs and cats can negatively impact neighborhood revitalization efforts. Art Kale, Matt Saxton and Terris Todd noted that stray animals can have impact on health and safety in our communities. Jim Haadsma and Harry Marshall both noted the costs for law enforcement and sheltering of these unwanted animals. Dave Morgan also brought up an important concern: stray or roaming cats having a negative impact on the local bird population.

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“The resources to handle strays could be better spent to help in other animal areas/spay and neuter.”
–Chip Spranger

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Do you believe the current municipal animal control budget provides adequate funding for its overall responsibilities?

Almost all candidates noted that the funding for animal control services is short given the need in our community. Terris Todd noted that funding determines the quality of services provided. Derek King spoke of his area of service, noting that it is almost impossible to get animal control to respond in outer county areas. Jim Haadsma suggested that a partial solution may be the creation of a county advisory board, similar to Barry County, to assist with expertise and hands-on volunteering. He also noted that lack of funds can affect grooming and socialization in the animal shelter, which makes adoptions more difficult. Kathy-Sue Dunn noted that we need to live within our budget, and that includes making the most of the dollars available for animal control.

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“We need to protect any and all animals from neglect and cruelty.”
–Dave Morgan

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Current County Ordinances allow cats to run at large. Would you support changing the ordinance for cats to match the dog ordinances?

Kathy-Sue Dunn said she would listen and entertain looking at a change of ordinance, but that controlling population starts with awareness and spay/neuter. Matt Saxton also affirmed that he would be interested in looking at different options. Jim Haadsma pointed out that cat licensing is impractical under current budgetary confines, but collaboration with animal welfare organizations to provide education would help the situation.  Chip Spranger, Dave Morgan, David Gilbert, Teresa Phillips, Harry Marshall and Scott Brown would support changing current ordinances. Harry Marshall affirmed HSSCM’s opinion that inside cats live longer lives. Art Kale noted the difference between pets and farm cats.

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“Overpopulation of animals can cause negative views of the effected neighborhoods.”
–Derek King

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How would you handle the feral or stray cat overpopulation problem in our community?

Harry Marshall, Derek King, Terris Todd, David Gilbert, Dave Morgan, Chip Spranger, and Jim Haadsma all noted education and spay and neuter programs to be critical in addressing the cat overpopulation problem in Calhoun County.

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“It is important to educate the public on issues relating to their pets, and how to manage them.”
–Harry Marshall

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If elected, would you support any form of canine breed restrictions?

None of our candidates would currently support any form of breed restrictions. Jim Haadsma noted the problem isn’t breed-based, but “backyard breeding,” with education being the key. Matt Saxton agreed, noting that the problem is often with the owners.

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“Safety and public health are compromised by a burgeoning population of stray dogs and cats.”
–Jim Haadsma

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If elected, would you support stricter penalties for animal related offenses such as neglect and abuse?

All candidates would support stricter penalties.

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“We cannot condemn a specific breed…that would prove to have unintended consequences.”
–Kathy-Sue Dunn

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At HSSCM, we hope that, by inviting in candidates for a two-way conversation, we can continue to affect animal welfare issues in our community. However, talking to individuals prior to an election is just the first step.

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“I do not believe the current animal control budget is providing adequate funding for its overall responsibilities.”
–Scott Brown

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The Humane Society will continue to work with local government officials, and will make sure that we share the information we receive with you, our stakeholders. In turn, we ask that you hold your local officials responsible for creating a more pet-friendly community, a society where every pet is a wanted pet. Make yourself knowledgeable on candidates and vote in every election. Write, call or visit your local governmental officials and make sure they know what is important to you regarding animal welfare issues. Together, we can make a difference in our community.

Links to pdf versions of candidate responses on the 2012 Legislative Questionnaire:

Scott Brown

Kathy Sue Dunn

David Gilbert

Jim Haadsma

Art Kale

Derek King

Harry J. Marshall

Dave Morgan

Teresa Phillips

Chip H. Spranger

Terris Todd

At the end of August, the Humane Society sent out a legislative questionnaire to all 18 individuals running for either a ward-specific or at-large seat for Battle Creek City Commission, and asked that they fill out the survey, provide a photo and come in for a tour of our facility along with the opportunity to discuss important animal welfare issues in our community. Click here to see the introduction letter we sent to all candidates (pdf).

Our goals were to raise community awareness of local animal care and control issues and to educate local officials on important issues facing the animal care and control community. HSSCM will not endorse any candidate, but we want to share the information gleaned from the surveys and conversations with you, our stakeholders.

As of Monday, October 3, HSSCM received completed surveys from the following:

Ward 1:

Ward 2: Lynn Ward Gray*

Ward 3: Sherry Sofia* and Laurie Sullivan*

Ward 4:

Ward 5: Jeff Domenico*

At-large: Susan Baldwin, Johnny Cash*, Andy Helmboldt*, Bill Morris, David Walters*

*denotes candidate came in for a tour and conversation

For the individuals who came in for a tour, we provided a printed copy of Chapter 608 – Animals from the Battle Creek Code of Ordinances (available online here), a copy of our most recent Critter Chronicles newsletter, information on our Low Income Spay and Neuter (LISN) program, and the 2010 Animal Statistics Table for the Calhoun County Animal Center (online available here), as that is the shelter that holds the City contracts for animal control. We talked about our facility, our programs and services, and encouraged them to visit the Calhoun County Animal Center on Union Street.

“Happy pets = happy people = community pride.”
–Andy Helmboldt, on pet-friendly policies

Do you have any pets?
All those who submitted a survey either currently have (or provide care for) a companion animal, or have recently had one or more in the past.  Cash, Helmboldt, Sullivan and Walters all have cats, while Sofia’s cat has passed away. Baldwin, Cash and Gray currently have dogs, while Domenico and Walters have had dogs recently pass away. Morris provides care for the dog of a friend who is ill. Sullivan also has a foster cat in her care, as she volunteers with both Alley Cat Angels and Companion Cats.

Sherry Sofia, candidate for Battle Creek City Commission

“Pet-friendly policies can be important factors contributing to quality of life issues which can, in turn, lead to a more fulfilled workforce.”
–Sherry Sofia, on pet friendly policies

Do you believe issues related to the population of stray dogs and/or cats negatively impact important development strategies in our community?
All candidates noted that stray animals are an issue in our community. Gray noted that in Ward 2, a walkable community is a challenge due to stray animals. Morris noted that abandoned buildings can become shelter for stray animals, and extra effort needs to be made regarding the problem in areas of the city undergoing revitalization. Cash specifically noted that our overpopulation of feral cats can affect the marketability of properties in the city. Sofia noted that animal welfare is a moral issue, and the impact on development strategies is secondary. Baldwin pointed out that the problem, real or imagined, affects both the animals and neighborhood revitalization efforts.

“It’s a social network. Any type of intangible is beneficial.”
–Jeff Domenico, on pet-friendly policies downtown

Do you believe the current municipal animal control budget provides adequate funding for its overall responsibilities?
Almost all candidates noted that the funding for animal control services in the City of Battle Creek is not enough, but acknowledged the difficulty in allocating funds in our current economic climate. Most recognized that the City only has two animal control officers, and those services are not available at night or on weekends. Baldwin noted that the Commission must balance all of the needs of the citizens and the city, and that includes making the most of the resources currently available for animal control.

“The city has only two officers and no one during weekends. How could that possibly address (let alone reduce) this growing problem?”
–Laurie Sullivan, on the current municipal animal control budget

Do you believe that pet-friendly policies, particularly in downtown areas, can be important factors contributing to economic development or a more livable community?
Cash noted it could be difficult to implement pet-friendly areas downtown due to the number of people and large amounts of concrete. Baldwin noted Battle Creek’s leash law and feces-removal ordinances along with owner responsibility. Walters suggested that pet-friendly policies should not just be limited to downtown, and specifically mentioned Willard Beach. Morris has been working to create a dog park within the city limits. Sofia noted that pet-friendly policies can contribute to quality of life issues.

“I am glad that the budget for animal control is still in place. I do wish we could expand the hours of operation.”
–David Walters, on the current municipal animal control budget

How would you handle the feral or stray cat overpopulation problem in our community?
Sofia noted the importance of promoting adoption programs, and that the problem will only truly be solved when owners spay and neuter their animals. Baldwin, Cash, Gray and Sullivan discussed trap-neuter-return programs currently operated within the city [however, Alley Cat Angels receives no governmental funding and operate only through donations]. Morris stated stronger regulations to hold individuals accountable for their actions would be helpful.

Lynn Ward Gray, candidate for Battle Creek City Commission

“The health of our community is hampered if you don’t feel safe to walk or be out in your neighborhood due to stray dogs and/or cats, so the development of a vibrant, alive and healthy community is impacted.”
–Lynn Ward Gray, on the population of stray animals in our community

If elected, would you support any form of canine breed restrictions?
The majority of the candidates did not support breed restrictions. Cash expressed concern over the number of pit bulls that are euthanized at Calhoun County Animal Control. Morris wrote that he would support breed restrictions, but did not elaborate. Sullivan turned to humor well-familiar to those who work in animal welfare, suggesting what she’d like to do with individuals who breed, train and sell animals without the compassion, knowledge or skill to do so. Baldwin length of service included the review of a proposed “bully breed” ordinance in 2005; the commission at the time voted to remove the breed-specific language from the ordinance.

Johnny Cash, candidate for Battle Creek City Commission

“No animal should be allowed to suffer at the hands of anyone.”
–Johnny Cash, on stricter penalties for animal abuse

If elected, would you support stricter penalties for animal related offences such as neglect and abuse?
Baldwin noted that Battle Creek was the first community in the state to enact a regulation on chaining dogs, an ordinance she supported. The majority of candidates would support stricter penalties for animal abuse and neglect. Walters suggested that more enforcement of current laws may help.

Susan Baldwin, candidate for Battle Creek City Commission

“As we encourage and plan for more downtown living, we must develop appropriate policies for regulating pets in the urban area. Pets should be welcome as we want to encourage people to live downtown and many will want their beloved companions with them.”
–Susan Baldwin, , on pet-friendly policies downtown

Current commissioners Bill Morris and David Walters both noted the need for the Humane Society to provide more information and education to the Commission on animal welfare issues in our community. We hope that, by inviting in candidates for a two-way conversation, we can continue to affect animal welfare issues in our community. However, talking to individuals prior to an election is just the first step.

Bill Morris, candidate for Battle Creek City Commission

“There needs to be a viable plan to remedy animal overpopulation for the revitalization of neighborhoods that the city is diligently working on.”
–Bill Morris, on the overpopulation of stray animals

The Humane Society will continue to work with local government officials, and will make sure that we share the information we receive with you, our stakeholders. In turn, we ask that you hold your local officials responsible for creating a more pet-friendly community, a society where every pet is a wanted pet. Make yourself knowledgeable on candidates and vote in every election. Write, call or visit your local governmental officials and make sure they know what is important to you regarding animal welfare issues. Together, we can make a difference in our community.

Links to pdf versions of candidate responses on the 2011 Legislative Questionnaire:

Susan Baldwin

Johnny Cash

Jeff Domenico

Lynn Ward Gray

Andy Helmboldt

Bill Morris

Sherry Sofia

Laurie Sullivan

David Walters