Re: the July 14 article "Pima Animal Care drops contract to mediate barking dog complaints."
As a former CEO of Our Family Services, I was extremely disappointed to learn that Pima County eliminated a contract that is a miniscule part of its budget, with so many obvious benefits. The mediation for neighborhood disputes provided through Our Family Services was done primarily with well-trained volunteers; it was extremely cost effective. Mediation interventions reduce calls to the sheriff's and police departments, zoning offices as well as Pima Animal Care.
At a time when we see violence escalating when people use poor self control, I would expect Pima County to embrace this peaceful solution. Dr. Francisco Garcia states "we could demonstrate no decrease in the number of complaints." I would counter that, first, no increase in complaints as our population and population density increases is a good outcome. Second, there are other outcomes the county should measure related to neighborhood health. I encourage the county and elected officials to re-look at this cost-effective contract that helps teach individuals skills they can use in future disputes.
Patti Caldwell
Midtown
