Our local library district is once again coming at the taxpayers for more money after being told no twice.  This is a letter to the editor that I recently submitted. 

No to Rangeview (Again!)

Here we go again!  For the third time in recent history the Rangeview Library District is coming to the taxpayers for more money.  Twice before they have been told no but they obviously refuse to listen to the voters.  It is not unlike my six year old son who asks over and over for a new toy.  Despite being told no repeatedly, he holds out the hope that I will change my mind if he asks enough.  It doesn’t work for him and it won’t work for Rangeview! 

Statistics will be thrown around during the debate in the coming weeks.  Many will compare Rangeview with other library districts in the state.  This is not however the right way to look at it.  We are not other districts and what applies there does not necessarily apply here. 

The fact of the matter is that percentage wise, no more people use the Rangeview libraries today than did ten years ago!  During that same period of time, county population grew by an astonishing 25% and library district funding has increased 60%.  Yes, their income has increased!  No, they do not have a higher demand for their services!  If we have 25% more people and no more of them (percentage wise) are going to the library, then demand for library services clearly is moribund at best and certainly does not warrant more funding beyond the sizeable increases the district has already received. 

Why should you and I pay more taxes to support a service that has growing income but no greater demand?  If the demand is not there – which it clearly is not – then there is nothing to warrant raising our taxes for the library district.  Vote no on the Rangeview Library issue.

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