Lane treated unfairly

Dear Editor:

This week I attended the Morgan County Commission meeting. Like many, I have been following the concerns about animal control housing. I also wished to speak as someone who has spent many years in animal care.

After explaining why I believed the present plans to patch the facility wouldn’t work, I was followed by Amy Lane. It is clear that Lane has worked long hours to present viable plans for a new, safe and comfortable building for animals, staff and visiting public. She even came up with suggestions on how to build this facility at little to no cost to the taxpayer. She spoke clearly and with utmost respect, so imagine my shock, as well as that of others present, when she was verbally attacked by one of the commissioners and accused of attempting to promote her own kennel.

Except for explaining that the plans she presented were similar to her own kennel building, the only person who brought up “dog breeder” was Commissioner Stacy Dugan.

When Lane attempted to defend herself, she was loudly berated by the commissioner. No wonder nothing gets done. It seems to me that an apology should be due Lane and at least one of our commissioners should remember why she sits on the commission and be glad that someone is willing to spend time and effort trying to remedy the problem.

Or is Commissioner Dugan afraid of competition in finding a solution that won’t cost the taxpayer an enormous amount, if anything?

Anthea McCallister
Berkeley Springs