County resident against fees limiting library access

Published on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:01 AM MST

Editor:

Well, the library furor continues, as well it should.

Just what are the city of Safford and Graham County thinking to cut off critical library access to local citizens — especially children — many of whom simply cannot afford the exorbitant use fees being proposed? And where, and when, did city and county officials lose track of the concept of “public use” meaning “for everyone?”

Oops! I almost forgot there for a minute how much more important improvements to the rifle range and golf course are for the relatively small special interest groups that use them. My bad! Besides, the library is going to need that extra money to change all of its printed material to eliminate “Graham County” from its name. Surely it wouldn’t add insult to injury by keeping it — or would it? It will need to be renamed City of Safford Library. Or perhaps City of Safford Private Library would be more appropriate.

The argument about who pays taxes strikes me as specious since almost all of those in the county do the majority of their purchasing in Safford and pay their share of sales tax just the same as city residents. The question of why the county contributes nothing (except to act as a conduit for state funds) to a facility that bears its name and serves its residents, at least at present, is certainly worthy of debate, but for another time.

If the county were to consent to bear its share of the operating expenses through establishing a countywide library district, one of the solutions being proposed, I would as a property owner be OK with paying an increased property tax to support the library. I don’t use it much; I don’t use the schools or fire or police departments either, but I pay taxes to support them. It’s just that I happen to be a firm believer in free public library access for whoever wants it. As Andrew Carnegie knew so well, that happens to be one of the strongest cornerstones on which our free and well-educated society has been founded, something quite a few folks around here seem to have forgotten.

If it’s just a matter of saving money, maybe some of our forward-thinking local officials should investigate reinstituting lynch law instead of trial by jury or imprisonment. Just think of all the money that would save! Why, our rifle range and golf course could be the finest ones in Arizona! And if they hurry, they might also be able to repeal the vote for women before a massive wave of enraged mothers at the polls next election time vote them right out on their fannies, which in my opinion would be no more than they deserve.

Bev Paull

Bryce

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Comments

8 comment(s)

County cuts too wrote on Jun 27, 2009 1:13 PM:

" The BOS is already refusing cost of living raises for a minimum of 2 years, eliminating clothing allowances, and increasing the cost /reducing coverage of health benfits to county employees. They claim funds are short too, and I doubt they will stop paying a monthy GPS monitoring fee for each and every county vehicle in favor of supporting the library. Maybe the same public pressure that effected Safford officials opinions can accomplish some positive county changes? "

County resident wrote on Jun 27, 2009 10:44 AM:

" I am in complete agreeance with you Bev. You bring up a good point. Is City of Safford going to start discriminating against "non-residents" by charging us to use the public services of the Fire Dept. and Police next? I know it sounds ridiculous to ask, but as of late they are making some ridiculous proposals. I happily would support the library in a more fair and just manner for all. "

JoePublic wrote on Jun 26, 2009 2:01 PM:

" Hey good point.
What is the position of the BOS on the district library concept?
And not sure about volunteering at the Safford library. I've put in numberous hours in at the Pima Library. So modest opportunity to be of service.
Still believe EAC library discriminates against men. Even though it's suppose to be an EOE, that receives Federal monies.
That's my opinion.
Still grateful people will be able to use the public library..
Nothing like a good book to read.. "

Lets hear it from the BOS wrote on Jun 26, 2009 8:07 AM:

" Drew John has talked with some of the Safford people but what about the other two Herrington and Palmer what do they think about creating a library district? They probably have a few books of their own so don't see a need for libraries. I don't use the library myself but we need on that might be better run. I know someone will say volunteer, have you tried to volunteer in that closed society? A good friend who has a library science degree went to volunteer and was toldnothanks. "

Matt wrote on Jun 24, 2009 8:27 PM:

" Yup, I agree folks..
If the BOS is so well paid, then why don't they earn it by coming up with resourceful solutions?At this price we should have gifted leadership.
You tell 'em..Bev.
We're going way to easy on them.
Look what we do to earn $20,000 to $30,000 a year and they make double and more for doing far less.
And the City Manager making over $100,000 a year? For what? No wonder the city is broke.
Oh, I can't wait for election day! "

Time to Pony Up wrote on Jun 24, 2009 4:30 PM:

" Contact your city and Graham county and tell them to pony up and providing funding to the library. "

NO now is the time wrote on Jun 24, 2009 11:48 AM:

" No now is the time for a debate on why Graham County and Thatcher do not suppor the library. Right now is the time. You are absolutley right that resident and non resident rates are not the answer. I don't blame Safford for doing it though. "

County resiident wrote on Jun 24, 2009 10:17 AM:

" My feeling is that the BOS needs to get with the program and pay up thier fair share to the library. Even if they put an extra dollar on everyones property tax bill, would you really notice. I don't think so but it could help and also ask the BOS to stay home and not go to the "Big Cities" on the taxpayers dime. We have telephones, computers that can reach the Big Law Makers, and after all in theis economy who is making $63,000 for attending maybe 5 meetings a month. No me! "

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