On Aug. 1, 2019 I sent a letter to the Port Townsend City Council documenting the attack by two off-leash dogs on myself and my two small dogs, on a city street; the four police interviews with me; and the summary reports that misrepresent the incident. No citations have been issued nor consequences have befallen the owner of the dogs.

My investigation also revealed that for the 18 month period from Jan. 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019 there were 350 calls to police for animal control; yet only one citation was issued. That includes my incident.

After sending the letter, I also spoke before city council on Aug. 5, 2019 regarding this incident. I was cut off by the mayor, and dismissed from the podium, with no subsequent discussion among the councilors of which I am aware. I have received not one response.

City council eliminated the funding for the animal control position, and now the burden is placed on officers who have multiple other duties and priorities, making response to animal control calls sporadic and slow in most cases.

Four police officers have resigned in the past year, allegedly for higher salaries in nearby towns.  If that is true, why does the city not raise salaries? There is plenty of money for tourism promotion being spent.

Several city councilors, past and present, are involved in business activities that benefit from improving the image of PT as a “friendly, welcoming, fun” place to visit and live. Tourism is big bucks for certain business activities such as hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, and real estate developers and sales companies.

Many recent articles are appearing about the negative impact of excessive tourism on “destination” towns and cities.

Elections are soon. Or shall we just change the name of our city to Port Tourism?

J. Ed Robeau
Port Townsend