Editor:
I was asked by both a former and current resident of Sweet Home to write a letter to the editor since I have done them in the past. They asked me to bring something to the public’s attention they felt should be said.
I attended a hearing in Lebanon after speaking to Mr. Larry Albert Hinton over a week ago. He contacted me because he read where I was running for City Council and asked if I may be able to help.
The case today involved Linn County Dog Control, where Officer DeOlus was the representative vs. Councilman Jim Gourley and his wife. The hearing was brought to court since Mr. Gourley was warned several times about his two boxer dogs roaming on or about Juniper St.
There were several witnesses who spoke out. Mr. Larry Albert Hinton, Jerry L. Farnsworth, and another citizen on Juniper who takes walks and rides her bike and admitted she felt threatened since being bitten by another dog. Councilman Gourley was found guilty on two accounts and was fined for allowing his dogs to roam the street.
Officer DeOlus stated there had been many calls to his office and was aware of the situation. He stated he had issued several warnings but after receiving a written complaint, the incidents had to go to court. I appeared and spoke out only as someone who was trying to give support on this issue. There has been an ongoing feud between the neighbors and our current councilman. The complaints I heard are valid and I will do my very best to help as a citizen or a councilwoman if elected.
This is one of many reasons I would like to see more people attend City Council meetings to facilitate change.
Kim Lawrence
Sweet Home