Comments

To Gitr Done wrote on Jun 24, 2009 12:52 PM:

" OH ! yea Firth Park is an amazing place HA! HA! (what a dump) Why should you care about the Thatcher park unless you plan on using it. Thatcher pays EAC for the use of its football field. I agree Thatcher needs its own pool so they can reap the benifit of the Thatcher kids instead of Safford. Every kid that swims at the Safford pool pays, so stop your belly aching. As far as the Library I agree there should be a fee but not a robbery. A 10 to 15 dollar fee would be fair. "




Safford wrote on Jun 23, 2009 4:45 PM:

" Thatcher you think you are soooo smart. Maybe you should know that Thatcher also recieves some of the tax money from Wal-mart, it doesn't just go to Safford. But Safford taxes pay for the library. You know maybe you should contribute to the library not just us. "




Ryan wrote on Jun 23, 2009 3:51 PM:

" Why am I not surprised? It's incredible to me how some of these people crawled out of the gene pool and somehow made their way to Thatcher and Safford, it must have been a pure stroke of luck because clearly they don't have enough cognitive reasoning to make their brain operate correctly. Another day in the neighborhood I guess. "




Linda Stavast wrote on Jun 19, 2009 2:08 PM:

" To: "Well..." My son is posing WITH a Harry Potter book. Our family loves the series. You can be sure the series will be in the library. "




gitr done wrote on Jun 18, 2009 2:33 PM:

" While they are at it they should build their own pool (they use Safford's), football field (they use EAC's), city park worth going to (reay lane is a joke), basketball courts (hmmm is there any?), etc etc. And quit mooching off of Safford. "




another county resident wrote on Jun 16, 2009 7:19 PM:

" I honestly would get over the 50$ fee if the books had a reasonable limit. If I'm paying for services, I want full (books) services.
Nothing is truly free--either we pay for it up front (what is seen) or it becomes a hidden cost--taxes (what is not seen). A library district would be a hidden cost (higher property taxes) and we are already paying the sales tax.
At least this one is visible. "




Safford resident wrote on Jun 15, 2009 9:22 AM:

" Me, an antagonist? Now you hurt my feelings. I asked a legitimate question that should be addressed in the planning stages.
I do not think that county residents should be charged an indivdual fee to use any county library but funding must be addressed.
Our electerd officials in Safford, Thatcher and the County have all let us down by not stepping up and coming up with an equitable solution to library funding. "




Bella wrote on Jun 15, 2009 5:49 AM:

" One more comment... I agree with the other poster about Val's. If it is going to be a Thatcher Library, make it accessible to school children after school. Also adding, I volunteer for a nonprofit and grants are INCREDIBLY hard to get right now with the current economy and so much competition for them. It is admirable what you are doing, Linda. My hope for your community is the best possible outcome in this situation. "




Bella wrote on Jun 15, 2009 5:35 AM:

" I am no longer a resident of the area but wondering if the energy/time should be spent on starting a Friends of the Library program at the existing library (fundraising)? Another idea would be to orchestrate a volunteer program (senior citizens) to man the front counter, shelving, etc. There are viable options that would cost less than building a new library. I know that Thatcher needs business but maybe a money making business would better help the community (ie book store). Good luck. "




Safford Resident wrote on Jun 14, 2009 11:44 PM:

" Oh MY Gosh, looks like I hit a nerve .
I simply asked a legitimate question, which by the way has not been answered. Unlike a cerrtain name calling county resident, I love and support my neighbors. "




To Safford resident wrote on Jun 14, 2009 9:37 AM:

" Stop trying to be an antagonist, it's obviously not about what's convenient for ANYONE but Safford. You won't need to use the library in Thatcher, you have one in Safford for your specific use! Besides, I'm guessing THATCHER would not discriminate against non-residents to pay their irresponsible town debt.
By the way, I'm a county reisdent, why am I being charged to use the Safford/GRAHAM COUNTY library??
We support you 100% Linda,
WE LIKE THE WAY YOU ROLL! "




Well.... wrote on Jun 14, 2009 9:01 AM:

" To Harry Potter Fan...You are right! They do look like Weasleys...Amazing! I doubt they are allowed to read Harry Potter books though...just my humble opinion. "




To Shocked wrote on Jun 13, 2009 5:44 PM:

" You r right this has nothing to do with the city teaching r kids it should be the schools and to hit on retieries shame on you. You must be verry shallow, Its not up to the city and or towns to teach r kids its mom and dad or are they out fishing???? "




Harry Potter fan wrote on Jun 13, 2009 4:48 PM:

" on a completely unrelated note. Your family looks like the Weasleys. Love it! Good luck with the library and be sure to have all seven of the Potter books! "




RhubarbGranny wrote on Jun 13, 2009 11:29 AM:

" Now wait a minute....I'm confused here. I have lived all over the state of Arizona and never once was I asked to pay for the privilege of using the public library whether I lived within the city limits or not. At present I live in rural Cochise County and use the Wilcox library. All I needed to gain my card was proof of being a resident of this county.
Since when is a library card considered a sellable product? I have always thought it was a free service provided by the city/county. "




Safford resident wrote on Jun 12, 2009 12:45 PM:

" I was just wondering, will I, as a Safford resident, be able to have access to your new library for no fee? The old Walmart building would be convienent for me.

Remember, I do shop Thatcher businesses and pay sales tax.

Just a thought, we could close the Safford library and let Thatcher pay all of the expenses for a new Graham County Library. "




Linda Stavast wrote on Jun 11, 2009 3:40 PM:

" I'm chuckling at "Green Lover's" comments. I was wondering when somebody was going to catch on to the fact that the picture was taken at Firth Park. No, I do not hate Safford. I like Safford. I like the pool. And, yes, I take my children to swim lessons there. I don't even mind paying the upped rates there because I know that the pool managers really worked hard on behalf of the non-residents of Safford. Their swim lesson rates are reasonable. The park is just where the reporter wanted to meet me. "




Thatcher Resident wrote on Jun 11, 2009 12:54 PM:

" We should have the library by the school, like at the old VALS building. For after school programs.. "




Shocked wrote on Jun 11, 2009 10:54 AM:

" Shame on you Mr. Hancock who is a retired school Superintendant and Ron Green and his wife are retired teachers. You know the importance of a child being able to read in order to achieve in school. You know these children are the future of this country, but you have put a price of $50 on their success. Its better that they are reading a book and expanding their minds than watching TV or playing video games. You have put a price on learning in Graham County and now many won't beable to enjoy reading. "




Shaesca wrote on Jun 11, 2009 10:42 AM:

" No matter what happens around here, there is always a big fight about it. Safford, Thatcher and Pima are nothing but segregated little mud puddles that harbor small minded, piranha-like people in a constant feeding frenzy upon each other. My family and I are moving from this backward, God-forsaken place just as fast as we can. You all are lost in your sick cult and fight like mad dogs over a little bone. Have none of you ever heard of WORKING TOGETHER?? Guess not... "




Green lover wrote on Jun 11, 2009 10:29 AM:

" Just a thought.. If you hate Safford so much, why did you use Firth park and Saffords pool for your back drop for the family photo? Kind of ironic don't you think? Maybe you should send the City of Safford a check for the use of the park and pool. "




My Thoughts wrote on Jun 11, 2009 8:46 AM:

" Yeah, just like the system the Safford Libray has been operating before the nonresident fee went up. Sales tax money pays for the library in Safford, and it could pay for a library in Thatcher. But I like the idea someone else had of using the $200,000 it would take to run a Thatcher library and give it to the Safford Library. Then it would be more of a coummunity library where everyone pays their share. And get the county to pony up more than their measly pittance. Libraries should be free for all. "




Another Taxpayer wrote on Jun 11, 2009 8:10 AM:

" You're right "Actually" the funds would come out of sales tax. But that's still tax money that comes out of YOUR pocket. Whether they levy a new tax or take it from sales tax it doesn't matter, they're all taxes that YOU pay. Money is relative. Do you think that Wal-Mart is paying those taxes? Corporations don't pay sales tax, YOU DO, duhhh! They just up the prices on all those products you buy. "




Lets Be Fair wrote on Jun 10, 2009 9:37 PM:

" To be fair, you have to know that Thatcher has offered to contribute to the golf course, library and pool over the years. The problem is they would like some say in how the money is used. Safford wants no part of that. When you say it costs $850,000 to run a library each year while the average in most communities is between $200,000 and $250,000, is it any wonder why they don't want to share their financial dealings with anyone. Safford wants free money with no oversight. Sound familiar? "




Thoughts wrote on Jun 10, 2009 8:07 PM:

" You're all right, Thatcher should quit playing piggyback as always and step up with funding. They get enough sales tax from Wal-Mart and other newly built places to be a big contributor. Instead they rely on Safford to foot more than it's share. Typical attitude for them though, give us more money, but don't even think about asking for monetary help.

Linda, way to step up and make something happen. It'll be interesting to see how everyone tries to fix this problem. "




Graham Community should work together wrote on Jun 10, 2009 7:01 PM:

" I agree with "wait a minute". Why not work together. If Thatcher can afford a $500,000 library why won't they work together with Safford? Safford officials would welcome the much needed help. It is sad that everyone is turning their back on Safford after they have contributed to the community for many years by providing the library, golf course, water, and airport. Now that times are tough it seems people don’t want to step up and help. Cities across the state are raising fees and adding new fees. Just read the Mesa Tribune. "




Ruth wrote on Jun 10, 2009 6:53 PM:

" Safford taxpayer:

All the residents of the county who do not necessarily live in Thatcher or Pima are paying taxes to SAFFORD. I to was very upset to learn thet in order to use the Safford-Graham County Library I would have to purchase a card even though I live in Graham County. I truly believe that the library will be losing a lot of their patrons. "




Eagle wrote on Jun 10, 2009 5:05 PM:

" Sound's like the city of Safford, learned from the O'bama, play book. Good for this mom who has stood up for her family and herself. "




TO move out of thatcher wrote on Jun 10, 2009 4:58 PM:

" Maybe if you read the proposal you would see that she doesnt want to be director, she is a full time mom! Read the whole thing before commenting.. YOU move out! We have enough dummies.. "




Pima Resident wrote on Jun 10, 2009 4:56 PM:

" Sorry "Wait a minute" but I like our library in Pima and I like the fact my wife can walk to it with our kids. They have good educational programs for all ages. Is it true they stopped story time at the Safford Library. Such a shame. "




sc wrote on Jun 10, 2009 4:37 PM:

" I fault ron green, the city was very financially sound before he destroyed everything. Funny how much worse it will get before it is all over. how will the city ever pay the lawsuits it needs to settle, since it will cost more to lose! "




EVS wrote on Jun 10, 2009 4:04 PM:

" Did she say anywhere that she wanted to be the Library directer? NO! She is not doing this for money. I think Linda is right, Thatcher needs to start improving our own city so that we arn't relying so much of Safford. Linda, thank you for speaking up! "




wait a minute wrote on Jun 10, 2009 4:00 PM:

" tell me if im wrong but it just dosent make any sense to have three libraries in the valley why not pool our resorces together and make one great library instead of thee mediocar ones. this would work if the circus of safford would be willing to nogotiate instead of argue. just a thought. "




Actually wrote on Jun 10, 2009 3:59 PM:

" What "Another Taxpayer" fails to realize is that the town of Thatcher would be paying the expense of a library through its sales tax, not an extra fee to town residents, duhhh! In fact, the library can be started up with sales tax money Thatcher currently gets from Safford from Wal-Mart, which is about $500,000. What a kicker, then Safford residents would be helping contribute to a Thatcher library if they bought anything at the Safford Wal-Mart, Ha! "




THATCHER wrote on Jun 10, 2009 3:39 PM:

" Hey Safford Taxpayer,

You are correct, but it is from sales taxes. I believe everyone from the valley shops in Safford at some point.

I believe you are the TWIT!!! "




THATCHER wrote on Jun 10, 2009 3:33 PM:

" It is not only Safford residents who pay taxes for the library, the taxes come from sales tax. I live in Thatcher but have bought two cars in Safford and charged taxes on those. I shop at Wal-Mart, guess were that is located, you guessed it, Safford.
So people who say residents outside of Safford do not pay taxes for the library, you are
100% wrong!!!!

Thank goodness for the Pima Library. NO FEES!!!!!

Go get the Linda!!! "




Linda Stavast wrote on Jun 10, 2009 3:25 PM:

" I do not want anyone to think that I am just creating a job for myself. If you actually read my website, you can see that I addressed that issue. I am a mother of 5, I HAVE a full time job (mom), and I don't want another. I thought it would only be fair to include at LEAST one full-time position in the PRELIMINARY budget proposal, so a professional can be in charge of a professionally-run library. Anyone want to apply??? In the mean-time I am strictly a volunteer. "




Uummm... wrote on Jun 10, 2009 3:16 PM:

" Heres an idea...why doesnt Thatcher give the 150-200,000 (this is what Linda says the Thatcher library will cost a year) to the Library that is already here, and help carry the load, and then we wouldnt have to go through the red tape of starting another one. "




Lisa wrote on Jun 10, 2009 3:07 PM:

" If it is the Safford-GRAHAM COUNTY library, why does Graham county not contribute tax monies to it? Graham County taxes should go toward support of the library, thus allowing Graham County residents to use the facility at no expense. If Graham County does not contribute, it should be called the Safford Library and I can't blame residents of the other towns for being upset. Perhaps EAC would consider contributing or expanding its own library to compensate. "




Another Taxpayer wrote on Jun 10, 2009 2:56 PM:

" I do give her a lot credit though. She didn't like something so she is taking action and trying to do something about it. That's better than waiting around for the govt. to do everything. I just get tired of all the people that expect all these services (library, daycare, swimming pools, etc.) to be given to them for free. The money has to come from somewhere. Not even Obama can make money magically appear. "




Another Taxpayer wrote on Jun 10, 2009 2:50 PM:

" Quit complaining! Let's put it into perspective. Based on her website the startup is $500,000. If Thatcher's population is 4,500 people, then startup cost/citizen is $111. If the annual operating cost is $200,000 then the annual cost per citizen is $44. If her estimates are correct then by year four you will start to save a FEW dollars over what you would have paid at the Safford library. All of a sudden Safford's $50 fee isn't all that crazy. Most people pay 3 or 4 times that amount to Netflix or Redbox. "




Dee wrote on Jun 10, 2009 2:47 PM:

" How sad, charging $165 per year, per family. Why is the library charging a fee just to use what I believe has always been free through out this country. Two of the largest libraries “The Library of Congress and the LDS Family History center” do not charge for the use of their facilities. Thatcher is a very small community, but it can build one. A library is for learning, not to make a profit. During these hard times some people can only enjoy the benefits of being able to go to your library and read. "




Move out of Thatcher wrote on Jun 10, 2009 2:24 PM:

" Linda would make herself the library director for $47,000 a year, including benefits??? What a joke!!!
Why not hire senior citizens to donate their time? Beware of people that think up ideas only for the good of themselves! "




Safford Taxpayer wrote on Jun 10, 2009 2:02 PM:

" What a twit. Not impressed.

She *LIVES* in Thatcher... only taxes from Safford residents support the SAFFORD Library including staff...

She and everyone else must pay to play, unless their dead beat elected officials ante up. "




You go girl wrote on Jun 10, 2009 1:54 PM:

" This woman has a great, forward-looking idea and I hope people join her in this effort. Also, the Thatcher Town Council should seriously consider this proposal. Can the town form a committee led by Linda to get the ball rolling? "




Myles Johnson wrote on Jun 10, 2009 12:31 PM:

" way to go Linda, I'll even send some books from Canada. "




Thatcher Man wrote on Jun 10, 2009 12:06 PM:

" Checked out her Web site. She says initial start-up costs would be about $500,000 and then the annual cost would be about or less than $200,000. Sounds like a good deal to me Thatcher Town Council. How much money does the town have in surplus just sitting there. She also says her chosen spot would be 5,000 square foot part of the old Wal-Mart building that HVAC and electricity included in the rent. The Thatcher Town Council should move on this and act. Thatcher Council stop trying to mooch off Safford and make residents suffer! "




JoePublic wrote on Jun 10, 2009 11:58 AM:

" See..
In in crisis, someone with courage and fortitude stands up and points in a new direction.
I feel inspired after reading the article in the Courier.
I'm volunteering for this cause.
Linda, thank-you.
Will a couple of you join me and forward this story to news agencies or people or groups that might contribute is someway? "




Tim wrote on Jun 10, 2009 11:48 AM:

" Knowledge for all, and all knowledge needs to be accessable. If one doesn't agree with it, reject it. Don't keep it from others' sight. I'm watching this from Pa. Good luck to you. :) "




Me wrote on Jun 10, 2009 10:21 AM:

" I'm glad someone is taking the ideas we all share and putting them into action! "




Jason wrote on Jun 10, 2009 9:41 AM:

" Great idea I hope it works for you and the town of thatcher. Safford is in need of all the money it can get right now to help with the lawsuits that are forth coming against green and his band of morons. Maybe if everyone does the same and jumps ship to Thatcher it will move faster with more donations. "




Way to go wrote on Jun 10, 2009 9:30 AM:

" That would be great! I too am not a city limit resident and have a large family. Come on Thatcher lets do this together... "




hybrid-god wrote on Jun 10, 2009 9:29 AM:

" Hopefully everyone will take that into consideration and show up with shredded library cards as well. Where is the EQUALITY? ? ? "




Go Linda wrote on Jun 10, 2009 9:28 AM:

" This woman is amazing! Check out her site. She has done a tremendous amount of research and work! Very thorough and forward. "