The recent pit bull attacks on citizens were horrific. I, too, could have been a victim. From June 7 to July 13, I visited 400 Schenectady households, seeking signatures for the opportunity to ballot. It is a process required by law. Many candidates voluntarily knock on doors to ask voters for votes. It is another matter when the law obligates individuals to collect signatures so they can run for offi ce. People who seek signatures put themselves in harm’s way. They also trespass on strangers’ properties and disturb their dogs. On many occasions, I had to hold back the front door because the dogs tried to get out. A friend who signed my petition told me that the week prior to my visit, she and two other adults had been bitten by a feral cat. All three adults endured lengthy treatments. I also saw signs which read, “I shoot first and ask questions later.” Americans have the right to protect their properties. In this day and age, it is too dangerous to walk the streets in the city in order to gather signatures. The practice should stop. I hope the legislators in Albany who may have read the pit bull stories will understand the danger and call for a change to the process. I think a small filing fee would suffi ce. I also ask the League of Women Voters to study the issue and give it national importance.
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