FYI...... We went thru this charade a few years back with Cliff Waldman...

Last time, right before the vote, the "Friends" changed the boundaries of the proposed dog run and people voted based on the original dimensions... What's also interesting is that Steve Fulop doesn't officially become the Downtown Councilman until July 1st.... What's the rush???? This is the first I've heard of this and I'm in the park daily.... So I surmise it's another bait & switch before Fulop has a chance to get involved.... I suggest that if you're a dog owner you get your friends out there to vote, for better or worse..... PLEASE PASS THIS EMAIL ALONG........

Dog run vote set for June 4

Thursday, May 19, 2005
Letters to the Editor
The Jersey Journal
Re: June 4 Van Vorst Park vote on pet-free, pet-friendly park areas and a dog run.

The Friends of Van Vorst Park (FVVP), in association with the City of Jersey City's Office of the Mayor, its City Council, its Law Department and its Department of Public Works, announces the holding of a democratic ballot for all adult Jersey City citizens to determine the fair solution to preserving some portion of small, historic Van Vorst Park's lawns for safe, clean human use, while providing resources for dogs also, like a dog run. This solution will help both humans and dogs have what they are deprived of: healthy lawns and a place to run free.

This vote will take place from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 4 by the gazebo. This vote will be hosted by the FVVP in association with the VVPA, groups of the Jersey City Parks Coalition and other neighborhood groups. It will be overseen by Public Works Director John Yurchek. It will repeat the same ballot and outline that was drawn up three years ago. The new City "Pet Free/Pet Friendly" ordinance was spearheaded by the FVVP in 2000. It requires the oversight of the director of Public Works, which is why we are repeating the process now. Director Yurchek has committed himself to immediately implementing the community choices, including a possible dog run.

If a dog run is chosen, all interested dog owners will have input into its design. Though the city has a financial limit to how much they can spend on a dog run, we will support the ideal design (aesthetically and hygienically) and will pursue collateral grants to get any needed additional funds.

It is hoped that this first application of this quality-of-life ordinance will spread throughout Jersey City to improve all of its parks and public spaces. It is also hoped that this will be the beginning of what will become Mayor Healy's legacy of being our great city's Quality of Life Mayor. We also thank Downtown Councilman-elect Steve Fulop's support of the community empowerment approach to park development.

We hope that all interested citizens will participate in this important community decision.

DR. CLIFFORD S. WALDMAN FVVP CO-CHAIRMAN JERSEY CITY

Mia Scanga Executive Director- Talking Politics TV Show Jersey City, Channel 51 on Mondays at 9:30 pm, Wednesdays at 8:30pm & Thursdays at 7:30 pm; Hoboken, North Bergen, Union City and Weehawken, Channel 19 on Thursdays at 9:30 pm. See SEVENTEEN of our shows video streamed off our website: www.TalkingPolitics.net. 201-200-1958