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--> --> Dogs get the nod for park access - but the margin is thin Over 200 Internet voters this week stepped into a debate over dogs in Ashland parks, with a razor-thin majority voting for canine access to Lithia Park. Many people answering the Tidings' poll question, "Where should dogs be allowed in the Ashland parks system?" showed disdain for a city ordinance banning dogs in Ashland's downtown showpiece. However, a nearly equal number said dogs should be restricted to the Ashland Dog Park on Nevada Street. Of the 208 people who logged on to www.dailytidings.com this week, 86 people, or 41 percent, said dogs should be allowed in Lithia Park. Seventy-seven people, or 37 percent, said the dog park is the only acceptable open space for canines. Forty-five people, or 21 percent, said dogs should be allowed in all city parks except for Lithia Park. The Tidings polling software only allows one vote per computer station per week. Internet voters also can leave comments on the Web site by voting and then writing their views in the comment box. People can read the comments during the week by going to the poll, clicking on "results," then "comments." A large number of people expressed their opinion on the dog issue, with many saying dog owners need to be held more accountable. Dogs on leashes also was an acceptable alternative for many. This week's comments included: "Ashland has a lot of great dogs. I miss getting dog hugs in Lithia Park. As long as the owner controls and cleans up after the dog, let's do it!" "Dogs are messy, and shouldn't be allowed to mix with our children." "If I had a dog I'd want to be able to take nice long walks through any of the Ashland parks. Of course leashed and picked up after!" "Dogs must be on a leash. Perhaps the town could provide pooper-scooper bags too." "All public parks need to be accessible to all taxpayers, including those with dogs!!" "Let's not be so elitist that we can't allow pet owners to bring dogs into parks. Most everyone loves dogs!" "Enjoy your dogs, but remember that other people DON'T want to enjoy your dogs!!" "There is plenty of space outside downtown Ashland; go to a 'park' not THE PARK." The Tidings new poll question, posted Saturday, is, "What kind, if any, no-smoking ordinance should Ashland adopt?" The Tidings weekly poll is an unscientific measurement of public opinion. Its sole purpose is to provide greater public input on community issues. Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing