WizardMarks wrote: "This library system has been functioning well at it's present configuration for some fifty years or better (central, 14 branches, bookmobile). We have been able to afford it during all that time and suddenly were being told we cannot afford it."
Vicky responds: Fifty years ago, the population in Minneapolis was 200,000 higher. There were few sources for books and periodicals.....no one imagined the power and magnitude of the internet and the publishing industry. Fifty years ago, City spending and debt service was not spiraling out of control. No one is proposing that the library system be abandoned -- just reduced to reflect fewer people, fewer schoolchildren, and more alternative sources of information -- including the Hennepin County Library System. Do any other cities have redundant library expenditures? This is a serious question: In Minnesota, do counties usually fund libraries, or cities? Are there any other cities within Hennepin or Ramsey Counties that have extra library systems? How does the Library Board spend the $2+ million per month that was budgeted for this year? Is it primarily for payroll? Vicky Heller North Oaks REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
