Likewise, the small number in the Democratic Party with extreme beliefs do not define the Democratic Party. Their platform is distinct from the platform of the Democratic Party. Compared to the other issues Astoria faces — homelessness, affordability, road conditions and more — admittedly, dog poop isn’t the most pressing problem. The dog poop is perpetuated by a handful of repeat offenders. Some residents certainly feel unheard, and the Astoria City Council has had communication failures, but that doesn’t mean our community is powerless or unrepresented.