One possible library merger strategy would combine the new Mpls. downtown central library with the Hennepin County system, eliminate the Mpls. Library Board of Trustees, and make the Director responsible for neighborhood libraries in the city. Henceforth, the city would be responsible for funding only the community libraries. Regional ownership of the downtown Central Library should also make it easier to get the planetarium funded and constructed in the near term.
An equitable arrangement would be needed since Mpls. taxpayers approved the library referendum which allocated over one hundred million dollars for the new downtown library. If such an agreement protected city/county taxpayers in an equitable manner, the County could take over the downtown library and there would be little need for a Mpls. Board of Trustees. The Director of the city library system could report to the City Council, and would assume responsibility for all community libraries. I'm confident that such an organizational structure would result in a higher quality of service in our local community libraries. I'd highly recommend such a study. Michael Hohmann Linden Hills 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
