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| Ever try to reserve a PC at Crozer Library? You're probably stuck waiting like the guy on the right. |
One month ago tomorrow, Mayor John Linder was awarded a “Champion of Adult Literacy” by the Delaware County Literacy Council. One day ago, the Daily Times published an article stating that the Chester city budget will cut (another) $50,000 from the Crozer Library budget.
In the words of Sesame Street - “One of these things is not like the other.”
In the words of Cuba Gooding, Jr. - “Show me the money”.
With a library that is bursting at the seams with patrons during almost all of their hours of operation, and one of the only places in the city people can use the Internet for free, they deserve more money, not less. If anything, they need a 5,000 square foot expansion, not (another) $50,000 square thinking takeaway (in other words, let's think outside the box please).
Here’s my number 1 suggestion where you can find a quick $50,000 and not harm the city budget. Stop paying tens of thousands for old headliners and go back to our local talent at the Riverfront Ramble. And/or, insist that the corporate sponsors of the Ramble donate a portion of their contribution to the library.
A real Champion of Adult Literacy would hang his hat on going overboard to ensure that his image of supporting literacy was strong and positive. Things that hurt that image is purchasing football shirts for youth football teams (that’s what corporate sponsors are for) and honoring male rappers and not male readers.
This action should definitely serve as a wake up call to Delaware County Literacy Council when they vet their champions in the future.
Great post Stefan!
ReplyDeleteHey Mr Mayor if you did not pay Ron Stark $90,000 a year , you could have $40,000 surplus.
DeleteThank Tedman. Another early morning rant. I mellow as the day progresses.
DeleteWow! so very, very sorry to hear of this latest development.
Deletehopefully they will reconsider:(
Stefan....I think your ideas are excellent and definately should be considered.
DeleteI agree with your suggestion about the River Ramble entertainment and the $50,000 savings to use our local talent at the Riverfront Ramble. Also, a good suggestion about the corporate sponsors of the Ramble donate a portion of their contribution to the library.
DeleteOMG!! What in the world is he thinking? That library is such an important facility in Chester!
ReplyDeleteDon't you wish they read this blog and would reply? Such a waste of an opportunity to clear the air.
Deleteron star not ron stark tom moore made the same money as chief of staff for butler
ReplyDeletetom is white so that is are right you slave
What a way to celebrate Christmas, cut the budget to the one place young people can go to study, do their home work and get off the streets, using the internet. All people aren't fortunate enough to have computers and DSL in their homes . Have a heart City of Chester, encourage the young people to learn don't hinder them by limiting their resourse. This is just sad. Please reconsider!
ReplyDeleteLW
At least this year they're announcing a library budget cut. Last year they just shorted them $50k with no notice.
DeleteSo how much do you make on Linders staff`?
ReplyDeleteWho is the 'you' you are referring to?
DeleteI do not work for city but iam a free man
ReplyDeleteThere is another source of funds for Crozer Library coming from the City of Chester. When I inquired about the cuts, I was told, "yes there was a cut because the library could not receive funds from the same source twice". Apparently the Library will benefit greatly by receiving funding as a result of votes cast during last election on the MIL tax for Crozer Library. The projection is that the funding will exceed 50K. Therefore, the library will receive funding via the City just not through the previous means. Please check with the Mayor and Council on the specifics or file a "Right to Know" representing concerned parties, if you do not get a response.
ReplyDeleteIf people are really interested in the success of Crozer Library and can afford to, they can make a tax deductible financial contribution. I would not suggest it, if I were not already doing it.
Peace & Blessings
I believe it was the library that initiated getting the new tax revenue on the ballot. I believe they did it in an effort to increase funding to the library. I don't believe their intent was to offset the city's contribution. So, with no money from the city, the library is right back to square one. Right?
DeleteI believe the library started receiving the tax funds last year.
I don't believe the people who voted to pay taxes to the library (like me) anticipated that voting 'yes' meant that it would come with the condition that the city would stop paying their customary share. If so, I'm sure the library folks would have included that language on ballot question.
It the ballot question was intended to be a 'bait and switch' I doubt if the library would have gone through the angst to fight for the ballot question and tax the home and business owning tax payers. We're in a 'no new taxes' city, right?
A compromise solution could be that the city grants the library the difference between their normal $50,000 contribution and that which the library receives in taxes over $50,000. For example, if the library receives $75,000 in taxes, the city contributes $25,000.
Should we assume that if the library had not fought to get the ballot question approved, and subsequently got the votes for approval, the city would continue their contribution? We'll never know, will we?