Speak Up: Freedom of Information Day

March 16 is National Freedom of Information Day and the birthday of James Madison, the “Father of the Constitution” and proponent of open government. People in and out of the news business use state and federal Freedom of Information Act laws constantly to find out what’s happening in their communities and to hold public officials accountable.

• You should tell the Delaware DOJ, the courts and police departments like WPD and NCCo PD about this. They disagree and feel they don’t need to tell the public or newspeople anything. — John Smith

Sussex set to commit to more dog-control funding

For fiscal year 2022, Sussex County will ante up more general funding for dog-control services under a new memorandum of agreement with Delaware’s Office of Animal Welfare that addresses an increase in the number of calls for service. The current cost of the county’s MOU with OAW is $768,364. In year one of the new, three-year MOU, approved by a 4-1 vote March 9, Sussex County’s cost for animal-control services is $853,422. This amount reflects the fair-pricing structure agreed upon for 2021, based on a per capita rate. “Sussex has seen the biggest growth,” said Christina Motoyoshi, OAW’s executive director, during her presentation to County Council. “That is why you are seeing an $80,000 increase. We are really mindful that this is expensive, and we want you to be happy with the services. But we also have to keep up with the cost pressures on our side.”

• As they should, and the legislature needs to do more about dogfighting and puppies/dogs dropped off along the road! — Delmarva German Shepherd Dog Club

• They need to do the same thing with people dropping off cats or neglecting cats, too. — Candy Richardson