Reconsider The Library Budget Cuts

By CURT CLARK

Published: Mar 19, 2004 12:00 am

To the Editor:

We were dismayed to learn of the drastic cuts made to the libraryâs budget. The Board of Selectmen cut $80,000; then the Board of Finance took another $50,000. This $130,000 reduction leaves the library with an operating budget of less than the current yearâs. Knowing first hand that so many people in the community utilize this facility, we wonder why.

The C.H. Booth Library is the heart of our community. The library provides all ages with access to reading materials, intellectual growth, research opportunities, Internet access, music, film offerings, and special programs. Our childrenâs, young adult, and adult programs are in high demand, and our library staff is to be commended for their dedication in meeting these needs.

The Friends of the C.H. Booth Library also works hard to supplement and support the libraryâs collections and programs for the growing number of library patrons, especially children and young adults. We feel, and youâll surely agree, that the library is a good place for them to engage in intellectual growth.

As a nonprofit organization, the Friends of the Library is committed to providing auxiliary support for the libraryâs offerings. We cannot cover salaries, benefits, or operating costs; that is the townâs responsibility, and that is where these cuts are going to affect the people of Newtown.

We commend Janet Woycik for her leadership and her excellent library staff. We feel it is important that the dedicated library staff have salaries in line with other Fairfield County libraries. We also feel it prudent for the library to have a capital reserve fund for future repair and maintenance of the library building, and we commend the libraryâs Board of Trustees for their long range planning efforts.

We are also taxpayers and understand and appreciate the tough issues the Board of Selectmen, the Legislative Council, and Board of Finance face. However, the libraryâs budget cuts are so drastic that we hope they will reconsider their recommendation. This means moving forward, not backwards, and retaining qualified and dedicated staff, insuring access and ongoing maintenance of this beautiful building.

Friends of C. H. Booth Library,

Mary Maki

Joanne Zang

Denise Kaiser

25 Main Street, Newtown Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â March 16, 2004

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The Way We Were

Well said. Unfortunately, we are back to more of the same and we know how this will end. However, it gives us an opportunity to question many ways in which the DTC failed residents, voters, candidates, everyone. Brandon Moore was the first candidate to voice interest in running. A strong and well prepared candidate that the town republicans did not want to run against. They made it clear they wanted Ku to be the candidate. We all know you endorse the candidate you have no concerns about. Once Ku decided to try to unseat Bolinsky again, the DTC should have done what it can do and that was choose a candidate or put a good process in place to set up forums and get the caucus over and done smoothly, fairly, and ethically. It did neither. and this is what resulted: The Young Dem Debate became a Ku strategy to claim Ku being victimized, and it backfired; Ku's previous campaign committee went with Brandon Moore in hopes of finally flipping the seat; the DTC delay in organizing any candidate forums led to an inability to get the information out to all (as we see in complaints from new residents regarding lack of information); the DTC was severely split by the caucus chaos and some did not fully participate as a result; and we are back to square one with the candidate Alex Villamil preferred, and the same old guard and the same chance of flipping the seat.

Brandon Moore vs. More of the Same

Wholeheartedly agree with your concerns. There were many troubling issues raised about access to the democratic caucus process.

Democratic Caucus — Tremendous Turnout Meets Poor Planning

Welcome and thank you for your insightfulness. I agree wholeheartedly, however, you will soon learn that the intention is to contain participation. I believe the new residents and the new families are invaluable and hope that you will attend a DTC meeting. You will learn a great deal. Second Thursday of the Month and tonight, June 11th, 7 pm, it is at the Edmond Town Hall. : )

Connecting The Vote In Today’s Age

Mr. Ackert’s letter leaves out an important point: many of the legal expenses he references exist because of the legal challenges and complaints he and his facebook group has chosen to pursue. It is not fair to blame the Borough Zoning Commission Chair for costs that were driven, in large part, by Mr. Ackert’s own actions. Taxpayers should understand that litigation and FOIA complaints do not appear out of nowhere. They are initiated by individuals who decide to take those matters forward. Public officials should absolutely be held accountable, and the Borough should follow proper procedures at all times. But accountability should run both ways. If someone repeatedly challenges the Borough through legal channels, then points to the resulting legal bills as proof of poor leadership, the public deserves that context. Reasonable people can disagree about zoning decisions, development, and procedure. However, turning every disagreement into a legal fight has consequences, and those consequences are paid for by Borough taxpayers. Before assigning blame for legal expenses, Mr. Ackert should acknowledge his own role in creating them.

What’s Going On In The Borough?

And Chris Gardner, if anybody is Mr. Newtown, it’s you! Not only do I deeply appreciate all the support you gave me throughout this campaign, but I look forward to joining you in the Lions Club. I know it sounds silly, but truly one of my highlights this year was helping to raise the summer flag on the flagpole alongside you! I know we’re going to be great friends well into the future.

Leading By Example, For Unity And For Newtown

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Reconsider The Library Budget Cuts

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