Tax money should be allocated directly to libraries and other public institutions. It can be shifted away from tax cuts to the rich, TIF for big developers, killing third world peoples for oil; these are the projects that the govt should NOT fund, rather, let our charitable spirit enlist itself in aiding the rich to become richer, voluntarily, by means of bake sales and silent auctions, or if need be, public begging. I might even give Carl Pohlad a quarter or two if he asked for it selling pencils on the street.
--David Shove On Thu, 16 Dec 2004, Scott McGerik wrote: > > Bill Kahn asks: > > Can anyone tell me why the Minneapolis Library Board is suspending this > > tremendously popular bookmobile to a notoriously underserved part of > > Minneapolis? It was paid for initially with Phase I NRP funds, I > > believe, and no adequate explanation for nixing a tremendously > > successful program has been given. > > Michael Hohmann responds: > > Lack of operating funds would be my guess... same reason all the > > libraries are operating on restricted hours... and librarians/employees > > were laid off. Inadequate planning (to say the least), over the past 5-6 > > years minimum (preceded any cuts to LGA). > > > Maybe a citizen-ran fundraising campaign could be initiated to fund > popular program such as the bookmobile or to expand the hours of > operations. > > Instead of relying on tax dollars, these programs could be a good way to > increase citizen participation and involvement in the libraries. I seem to > remember some report coming out stating that Minnesotans are the least > generous, comparied to other states, with regards to charities. My > personal theory is that this is true because many feel overtaxed (and > taxed for programs they disapprove of) and, therefore, do not give to > charity. > > I have not paid much attention to the Central Library expansion but > doesn't that have a fundraising project to raise funds for improved > amenities? Was that initiated by the library staff or private citizens? > > Also, I remember kids door knocking at my previous residence for school > fundraising projects. I usually bought something although I was annoyed > that I could never directly donate. I don't need more chocolate candies > but I am willing to donate money for programs at the schools. > > I think there are a lot of people that would voluntarily donate for to > continue the bookmobile. And if someone knocks on my door, I probably > would be one of those people. > > Scott McGerik > South St Paul (formerly Hawthorne) > http://scott.mcgerik.com/ > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 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 > 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
