Coyote problem not one for taxpayers
The letter written by Michael Hodges is right on. This situation with coyotes should not be posed as a problem to be solved by the Wheaton taxpayers, rather it should be approached through public awareness and responsibility.
In addition, the following should be answered before any action is taken: What is the cost of doing this on an annual and on going basis; how can we be assured that domestic animals or children are not trapped' what is the experience of other towns similar to Wheaton; what is our liability exposure in case of an incident; where is this money coming from? I thought we were "tapped out" vis-a-vis reducing village staff be 17 full time equivalents.
Also, how can we be assured that trapped animals are destroyed humanely and in an expedient time frame; how many coyote incidents occurred here in 2009, 2008, 2007? And, finally, why has this been enacted without hearing the voices of other Wheaton residents?
Pete Reed
Wheaton