Greenbelters came in on both sides in Patch's poll on a K-9 kennel in Greenbelt, but it's difficult to tell their exact numbers, as it appears that people outside Greenbelt took the poll as well.
On Jan. 26 (GHI) voted against Greenbelt Police Officer Robert Defibaugh's request to build a K-9 kennel in his yard. As of Wednesday, out of a total of 256 poll takers, 202 (or 78 percent) stated their disagreement with GHI's decision.
On Thursday, Patch posted a new poll (below) that allows everyone to participate, but includes city of residency in its choices.
Some comments below the first poll came from out-of-towners, who noted they were residents of places such as College Park and Berwyn Heights. Some of the commenters were also convinced that almost all of Old Greenbelt, which includes GHI, is opposed to kennels.
Mike Brown wrote, "It is sad that the community feels no need to support officer Defibaugh."
"You tell 'em Kelly. Make sure K-9 doesn't respond to any calls on Old Town either," Sluff Johnson wrote on Tuesday, addressing Officer Kelly Lawson, in an article on crime prevention tips.
There were indeed Greenbelters who weighed in against a kennel, "Everyone we talk to in GHI - Greenbelt, is feeling relieved and grateful at the decision by the GHI Board of Directors upholding our bylaws that insure the well being of the members" wrote Ray and Barbara Stevens.
But other Greenbelters shared a different opinion, "I live in GHI and I would be delighted to have him as a next door neighbor. My Shih Tzu probably barks more than his dog would. My Bernese almost never barks outside," Nancy Kressler wrote on Wednesday, after Johnson's comment.
After the new poll, please list the town where you live with any comments you leave. If you live in Greenbelt, also state whether you live in GHI.
- Poll segment one is for out-of-towners.
- Poll segment two is for Greenbelt residents.
You do not have to register to participate in the poll, it only takes a mouse click.
Please note the order of poll segments was determined arbitrarily by software.
Again, GHI's Board of Directors are a disgrace, in my opinion, with their decision on this issue. If a canine officer gave up his or her life to save a GHI member and/or protect their property, would they revisit their decision?