Letters to the Editor: July 18, 2008

Lay off the dogs

Once again the tiny city of Del Mar is grasping for ever-more money to fuel the council’s insatiable desire for a legacy. Over the years, the taxpayers have endured an incessant onslaught of fees, requirements, restrictions, and needless growth of a local government that will soon eclipse the residents in size. Every end-run around Proposition 13 imaginable has been implemented.

They have socked it to the hotel guests, shoppers, restaurant clientele, water and sewer customers, and anyone wanting to park a car.

But a local dog license?

This must be the most absurd idea ever.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but dog owners are already required to pay fees and license their dogs by the county.

In return for those fees, the county provides animal control services and shelter services. I seriously doubt that Del Mar is considering providing any such services in exchange for the privilege of owning a dog in our fair City.

Here’s a novel idea - how about cat licenses? (Sorry Mr. Abarbanel - I thought of it first!)

Peter Mathews