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WHO ARE THE PLAYERS
Getting from where we are now (no legal off-leash areas) to where we want to be (establishing legal off-leash times and places) will involve a number of people from various different positions in the city.
NewtonDogs NewtonDogs is a groups of Newton citizens advocating for the city to make changes to the existing leash law so that responsible dog owners can have reasonable access to public space for legal off-leash activity.
Task Force In February 2005 the Board of Aldermen voted to establish a task force to study the possibility of establishing off-leash areas within the city. In April 2005 Board of Aldermen President Lysle Baker appointed the following members to the task force:
* Susan Albright (Alderman)
* Mitch Fischman (Alderman)
* Fran Rice (Park and Recreation)
* Norm Richardson (Conservation Commission)
* Amy Kohl (citizen, ward 1/2)
* Paula Palumbo (citizen, ward 3/4)
* Leslie MacGregor (citizen, ward 5/6)(withdrawn 2/06)
* Dick Tucker (citizen, ward 5/6)
The Task Force began meeting in May 2005. Read summaries of their meetings >>
BOA Programs and Services Committee
Recommendations for changes to any ordinance must first be approved by the Board of Aldermen's Programs and Services subcommittee. In 2005 the Programs and Services is made up of the following Alderman:
*
Merrill (Ward 1)
*
Marcia Johnson ( Ward 2)
*
Ted Hess-Mehan (Ward 3)
*
Amy Sangiolo (Ward 4)
*
Alderman Coletti (Ward 5)
*
Ken Parker (Ward 6)
*
Lysle Baker (Ward 7)
*
Mitch Fischman (Ward 8). <<click here>> to read opinions expressed by P&S committee members at past meetings.
Other City Departments and Commissions Other city departments that must endorse changes to the leash law before the Board of Aldermen will seriously consider any changes include:
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Park and Recreation Department
* Park and Recreation Commission
* Conservation Commission
* Police (animal control and traffic)
* Public Works Department
Constituents Residents that own dogs represent a large number of constituents. Let your aldermen know that you would like to be able to share Newton’s parks and open spaces with other constituents.
Talking points
If you are going to contact your alderman you might find information on the <<Why Change>> page helpful in formulating your argument.
