When Sheriff Eric Smith said he won’t discuss or support turning the old jail into an animal shelter, I said to myself, “I will open a discussion. I stand with our animal control officer.”

I applaud Michelle for being the best animal control officer Alpena has ever had. She has given this city and county more of herself then anyone before her. To flat out say to the citizens of Alpena that this subject will not be discussed frankly pissed me off.

How dare you so flagrantly think this topic can be so squashed without allowing anyone else’s opinion?

I am demanding that the city commissioners hold a well-advertised meeting with the ability for discussion for Alpena citizens to attend. I pray we can find a solution that favors all animal owners and lovers with the possibility of buying the jail through donations.

MARUSHKA PYSCYNSKI,

Alpena