Help The Library Continue Its Mission

By JOANNA LESTIC

Published: Mar 19, 2004 12:00 am

To the Editor:

One of the many reasons why it is a privilege for us to serve on the Board of the Cyrenius H. Booth Library is our sense of pride in this institution as one of the jewels in the crown of Newtown. Over the years we have watched the library become an integral part of our community as an increasing number of persons take advantage of the opportunities it offers. The library provides services that range from the childrenâs story hours to a variety of book discussion groups. The building is always bustling with patrons accessing books and videos. The library serves as an intellectual heart of our town presenting research opportunities, Internet access, a variety of programs, and as a meeting place for many local organizations.

You cannot imagine our consternation when the library budget was subjected to two severe cuts that may have a striking impact on our ability to serve the town. A budget recommendation that falls below that of last yearâs commitment is a step in the wrong direction at a time when by all measures we are serving more individuals, have an increasing circulation, and are providing a greater variety of services and programs.

We urge the Legislative Council to reconsider the Booth Library request and to restore Newtownâs support of this vital institution. In this manner the Cyrenius H. Booth Library can continue its mission to provide the people of Newtown with a superb library in an historic setting that will offer needed resources now as well as in the future.

Sincerely,

Philip I. Kotch

President, Board of Trustees

Elizabeth Arneth

Vice President, Board of Trustees

Cyrenius H. Booth Library

36 Butterfield Road, NewtownÂ 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 17, 2004

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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.

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

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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. : )

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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.

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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.

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