Shelter's new director deserves the support of animal 0) protectors

After reading the balanced and well-researched July 21 article by Gerald Shields on the Baltimore City Animal Shelter's new director, Bob Anderson, I was disappointed to read "Animal activists criticize agency" (Aug. 3) by Mr. Shields.

Mr. Shields is apparently operating under the mistaken assumption that animal rights organizations such as the Maryland Animal Protection Coalition and Citizens for Animals represent or characterize the views of other animal protection organizations in the city. They do not.

The William Snyder Foundation for Animals strongly supports Mr. Anderson's appointment as the shelter's director. We base that support on his record of achievement at the Tri-County Animal Shelter, where during his first year as shelter manager, he increased the adoption rate from 7 percent to more than 37 percent.

Moreover, we know Mr. Anderson to be someone who genuinely cares about animals and their welfare and who has worked to ameliorate conditions of life for the animals in his charge.

Mr. Anderson is well aware of the problems that have chronically plagued shelter operations and is taking systematic action to improve conditions there. One of his first actions as the new director was to apply to the Snyder Foundation for funds to buy animal-control training manuals for his officers. He has rightly identified better trained and more knowledgeable personnel as a key to improving shelter response.

The city shelter now has a director who not only cares about

animals but also is a leader with a substantive, concrete plan to improve shelter operations.

Lora Junkin

Baltimore

The writer is executive director of the William Snyder Foundation for Animals.

I live in what some people call the "other Baltimore," about eight blocks to the north of Camden Yards and the Inner Harbor in real Baltimore.

On July 18, I was alone on the street at 1: 30 p.m. for about 10 seconds when I was assaulted and robbed. A dirty, dusty man hit me on the head, stole my purse and hit me in the chest with such force that I was knocked backward like a rag doll from the sidewalk into an oncoming lane of traffic.

The man was not caught, but I was very lucky not to have been run over or seriously injured. My problem is that I have no way to thank all the people who came to my aid.

My screams brought friends, neighbors and strangers running to help. The first person to reach me was a gentleman driving a maroon car. He managed to stop and also block the oncoming traffic. He helped me sit up and stayed with me until others arrived.

A police officer arrived very quickly and took the information. Other officers went searching for the man, as did some of my neighbors. Paramedics Tony Parson and Robert Hamlin were very professional, as well as kind and consoling. The emergency room staff members at Maryland General Hospital were equally efficient.

I know the very difficult conditions under which the Baltimore Police Department and paramedics work, and these people are to be commended for an excellent job.

It is comforting to know that so many good people are in the "other Baltimore."

Ann L. McKenzie

Baltimore

Disabled access harms warship's authenticity

The prospect of wheelchair lifts on the USS Constellation ("A Civil War-era ship sails into a modern dispute," July 22) is so patently absurd that in any era before political correctness it would have been laughed out of existence.

I am in favor of making reasonable accommodations for the handicapped, but the incessant drumbeat of "mainstreaming" is drowning out common sense. The man who wants this says he can't experience the Constellation in its full historic authenticity except by going there, yet he would propose destroying that very authenticity for his convenience.

I shudder to think if he ever wanted to visit Mount McKinley. Would he want the government to build a ramp for him or level it?

The lobby for the disabled, aided by the misapplication of the Americans with Disabilities Act, is in danger of going too far. How many of us have seen and resented wheelchair ramps that are never used, reserved spots that are always empty or have had to kneel down to write a note in a post office because all the writing surfaces are at wheelchair height?

Solutions to disabled problems that inconvenience the majority of the population are unfair and wrong; it is time for disabled accommodations that also accommodate the majority.

Michael D. Poliszuk

Lexington Park

Balto., D.C. won't be ready for the Olympics by 2012

Before we can hope to attract the Olympics, we need to do some major housekeeping or risk bad publicity that will dog us forever.

If Baltimore and Washington succeed in landing the 2012 Olympics, where will all the events be held? The region does not have venues for some of the sports.

For instance, where do we have calm waters with grandstands for the rowing events? Which stadium has the proper dimensions for a soccer field? Where are the cycling events to take place without a velodrome?

We need some idea of how this will affect the region's traffic improvements, hotels and rail transit system. We need to know how the Olympics will conflict with other professional sporting bTC events and how to reduce crime and graffiti.

I think it will take longer than 14 years and a lot of sweat equity before Charm City and the capital of the free world can show themselves off proudly.

Vernon Lentz

Timonium

Well-kept vendors' horses help promote city's history

The media in recent weeks has suddenly taken up the "A-rabbers" who still sell fresh produce from pony-drawn carts around Baltimore.

Growing up on Bolton Hill, I knew this phenomenon well, and it still warms my heart to occasionally see them working now that I have returned to the city. So much so, I recently visited their stable near Hollins Market and found healthy horses and devoted owners. Every cart was freshly painted, every hoof was shod, every mane was brushed.

Not one horse was in poor condition (as a former horsewoman, I could tell), though how these men manage to make a living today selling door-to-door is a minor miracle. Encyclopedia salesmen and milkmen gave up such retailing years ago, and they had far higher profit margins.

No wonder there are less than two dozen A-rabbers left in Baltimore.

The city should do more to help these men. They shouldn't be left to battle alone against the cruel efficiencies of modern commerce.

Unique as they are, the A-rabbers provide a "fresh from the farm" message that promotes Baltimore as a historic port city in the center of the Chesapeake's fruit and vegetable basket.

Sally Adamson Taylor

Baltimore

Strapazza delights one of its customers

I must take exception to Kathryn Higham's review of the Cockeysville Strapazza ("Ups and downs at the Cockeysville Strapazza," July 9). It has been my pleasure to dine at this restaurant a number of times as well as other Strapazza locations, and I find no fault with any of its establishments, locations, food or service.

I did not think real estate values were of concern to a food critic. Because Ms. Higham found some of Strapazza's offerings to her liking, I would have expected her to encourage patronage rather than make disparaging remarks about location.

Owners of many viable businesses in the immediate vicinity would have to take umbrage at such remarks.

The owners of the various Strapazza locations take pride in their product and locations.

As a businessman myself, I understand the vast amount of work necessary to provide a consistent product, good atmosphere and quality service, and, in my opinion, the Cockeysville Strapazza has achieved all of these.

All of our food selections have been excellent, the portions generous and of unquestionable quality. I commend Rafael Coppola for his fine restaurant.

I have recommended the Cockeysville Strapazza to family, friends and business associates, and it will be my pleasure to continue doing so.

'Michael F. DiLiello Sr.

Baltimore

Pub Date: 8/08/98