Alternative measures needed to live with geese

I am writing in response to the April 23 article titled "Boro Council Open to Idea of Euthanizing Geese" in West Long Branch.

I just have a few questions to pose to the Borough Council, specifically William Boglioli.

Where were you when all the towns in Monmouth and Ocean County attended the meeting on Geese Peace, the alternative to euthanizing waterfowl, Mr. Boglioli?

Leadership entails many things being completely informed on subjects you have decision-making power on. It sounds like you want to take the quick, easy way out which, of course, would be euthanizing the geese.

Leadership requires patience and sound management of community relations.

I urge the town leaders of West Long Branch to get educated and informed. Geese Peace has had great success in working with geese all over the country. It is safe, humane, and when implemented correctly, has proven success rates. Recently, Long Island implemented this program with the geese in a much larger area than West Long Branch, with great success.

David Feld began the nonprofit program in Virginia.

He is very accessible and knowledgeable, and information is available on the Internet at Geese Peace.org. Several towns in Monmouth County are or will implement this program.

There are various reasons as to why the geese population has increased. One reason is the common practice of feeding waterfowl over the years.

People have contributed to the very problem they now are considering eliminating.

We have to take responsibility for the past and be compassionate and use alternative measures to live with the geese we once so admired. It just makes better sense for the community, the environment, and all around.

Julie Miller

Long Branch