Dear Editor,
Marysville has a feral cat problem. This is not new information or even earth shattering, but the fact that our city leaders refuse to acknowledge and address the challenge is.
After trying to deal with it for several years, I contacted the city two years ago and was told they didn’t know there were feral cats in Marysville. I shared the trouble we experience in our neighborhood: multiple litters born each spring, pungent odor of cats, absence of natural wildlife (such as chipmunks and rabbits) and the takeover of personal outdoor space, to name a few.
They thanked me for calling and said they would investigate. Hearing nothing but crickets, I contacted my councilman. I explained the situation and shared abatement programs of other towns. He said he’d look into it and get back to me. More crickets.
After a few more calls, voice messages left and received, I felt frustrated and even a bit angry. I pay my taxes, am a good property owner, am a supporter the city and services they provide. I am not a troublemaker, someone who causes civil unrest or cost to taxpayers through my actions. All I am asking is to be able to walk on my porch without the smell of cat urine hitting me in the face. I want to be able to use my deck but in addition to the odors, my outdoor furniture has been ruined by cats.
Several months ago, you published a story about feral cats on the front page of the J-T – I felt vindicated. This will light a fire under them, I believed. Crickets, again. I don’t know where to turn.
I know this has been a battle for many years but kicking the can down the road doesn’t solve the problem. It is across the city, from Mill Valley (where the cats destroy landscaping and dart into the sewers) to Old Marysville and Adena Point, yet no one will tackle it or acknowledge it exists.
Our city leaders work hard to make our town more appealing. I love Marysville and agree she does need a bit of a facelift. I enjoy the aesthetic improvements done on East and West Fifth Street, Legion Park and north of town at Mill Valley – it’s lovely and gives a renewed feeling of pride.
However, it is Old Marysville that attracts visitors not newer buildings. Sadly, our leaders willingly destroy any old building that gets in the way of progress. I don’t understand why they want to spend over $2 Million to bail out a private organization. A local recreation center would be nice, but we don’t need it. Why spend money on a poorly maintained structure? Look at what it cost towns like Kansas City, instead of successes that have been displayed.
Our quality of life is being negatively affected. Rather than kick the can, fear PETA or worry about costs, I believe they need to adopt a proven program and address this situation.
Kim Zacharias
Marysville
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