2 of 2

Write now Article Tools

I have a serious matter to put before everyone on Helium. The community I live in is in serious danger of all the public libraries shutting down due to lack of funding. I am interested in knowing how many on Helium use the public libraries in their communities. I am including a copy of the email I sent to our Jackson County Commissioners and the reply I received from one of those Commissioners.

>>> Louise Jacobson 01/09/07 7:31 PM >>>

Dear Jackson County Commissioners,

I am writing this email about the issue of our public libraries
closing in the near future. I don't know quite how to express my
concern other than to state that I am deeply saddened and upset that
this is being allowed to happen.

Our libraries provide information, access to community meetings, safe
places for our children to go to after school and do their homework and
get help with their homework. Our elderly citizens who can not use the
Internet to access info still need access to the information that they
can get from our libraries. It is a place that people can go to and get
assistance with their taxes or other matters that are equally important.
Already our children are being shorted of music classes and art
appreciation classes. Instead they get money for sports. How
wonderful, we are raising a community of muscle heads. I am embarrassed
that we can not come up with the funds for a service that gives so much
to our community.

We see our community leaders getting paid outrageous incomes and they
can afford to go out and buy books and attend plays and spend money on
over priced entertainment, etc. I live on a very limited budget and I
am divorced. I rely on the library for information I need to help me
with my job, my entertainment and furthering my education. I pass the
library everyday on my way home from work and I stop there several times
a week. If I am late returning a book, I don't mind paying the late
fees because it is going to a good service.

There has to be an answer to this pending dilemma. Please help us
find a way to keep our libraries operating.

Sincerely,
Louise Jacobson

Dave Gilmour wrote:
Louise,
Please do not lose hope.We are looking at all possibilities to fund our
libraries. Ultimately, it will bew up to the voters to decide if they
are willing to pay for library serrvices.
As for the "outrageous incomes", did you know that I personally have not
taken PERS, or participated in the county's health insurance plan, and
took a reduced salary for the first couple of years of my last term,
saving the taxpayers over $100,000? Even with what I make as a
Commissioner, my total income is $30,000-40,000 / year less than I would
make if I were to continue my practice full time.
I am certainly not doing this for the money
Dave Gilmour, MD
Your Commissioner

Learn more about this author, Louise Jacobson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Learning animation on the internet?
We want to hear your view. Write now!