Wallace Swan has written to this list and to the SW Journal and
the StarTrib re: our bond ratings and his concern about approving
the Better Libraries referendum. I'm no expert on ratings, and
all the factors that go into them, so I appreciated the tutorial
in the StarTrib, but found it to fall short of what one needs
to make an informed decision.
A quick look at the Metropolitan Council's summary of top-bond-rated cities
(www.metrocouncil.org/Region/ri121.htm) lists five cities with rankings
of Aaa or Aa1: Minneapolis, Dallas, Phoenix, San Diego and Seattle.
Except for Minneapolis, all four have breath-taking central libraries or
new ones approved or under construction. Pictures of these other
cities' jewels can be found at dallaslibrary.org/central.htm,
pac.lib.ci.phoenix.az.us/web/hoursframe.html,
www.sannet.gov/newlibrary/, and www.spl.org/lfa/central/design.html,
not to mention spectacular new libraries being built across the country.
So while I understand the concerns about potential risks to our
absolute top bond-rankings, I also know that other top-rated cities have
found it wise to invest in facilities that serve and inspire their citizens.
Lawrence Rudnick, Fulton
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
