I hereby add my support to the Newburyport Dog Off Leash Task Force’s efforts to gain off leash exercise and socialization options for dogs and their owners in Newburyport. Specifically, I urge City Councilors and the Mayor to amend the City’s Ordinances to allow dogs off leash in specified parks/areas, under certain reasonable conditions and at certain reasonable times. I also urge the Parks Commission and other official groups with authority over such areas to amend their respective rules, as necessary, to adopt this approach. Finally, I urge all of the above municipal officials to act in a timely manner on this important matter.