TO THE CCO EDITOR “We Must Do Better in City Animal Control”

On March 11th, I was informed that the washing machine at the Evansville Animal Control Center had been broken for nearly three weeks. That same day, volunteers asked for blanket donations so the animals would have something clean and warm to rest on. While the reason wasn’t publicly connected to the broken washer, the circumstances speak clearly.

This is more than a facilities issue. This is about the well-being of animals who depend entirely on our care, and it reflects a deeper failure in how we respond to the most basic needs in our community.

I’ve seen firsthand how hard the staff and Animal Control Officers work. These are people who show up every day—not for the paycheck, but because they care. They’re stretched thin, and yet they continue to serve with heart, professionalism, and compassion. Their work is vital—not only for animal welfare, but for public safety and community health.

What’s happening right now is unacceptable.

City leadership has a responsibility to act swiftly when essential services break down. It should not take public outcry to trigger a response. And it should never take weeks to resolve something as simple—and essential—as a broken washer in a facility that cares for living beings.

As someone who’s spent my life solving problems, building teams, and leading organizations—I know we can do better. And as someone deeply committed to the future of this city, I believe Evansville deserves leadership that treats even the smallest problems as opportunities to serve with urgency, compassion, and common sense.

The people—and the animals—of Evansville are counting on us.

#EvansvilleDeservesBetter #LeadWithCompassion #SupportOurShelters #QuietLeadership #FixItNow