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Vote for Measure E in Orinda
MediaNews editorial
May 12, 2008
DURING ELECTION SEASON, we often face some tough calls on our endorsements; Orinda's Measure E is not one of them. It is a slam dunk and we think voters should enthusiastically support it.
The measure would extend the parcel tax that was approved by voters in 2001 for operations of the Orinda library. The tax is due to sunset in 2009. This measure also would raise the tax from the current $27 to $39 a year.
Just one look at the library shows that such a modest increase is entirely justified. The Orinda library is one of the most impressive libraries in the East Bay. It is modern, convenient and offers a wonderful environment. In short, it is a community jewel.
Orinda is a city of only about 18,000 people, yet this library has issued 14,722 library cards, logged more than 211,000 visitors a year and has an annual circulation of nearly 275,000. Those numbers are simply staggering and they speak volumes — pardon the pun — about what an asset the library is to this community.
A large part of the reason those numbers are so high is that the library is open 60 hours per week. Contra Costa County only funds 35 hours a week and this tax has paid for the other 25 hours.
The increase in the tax is needed to continue funding those 25 hours as well as to offset rising utility costs, replace worn and outdated material, and to continue existing library programs that are too numerous to mention here.
We think $12 is a modest increase for such a valuable service. It is a stretch to think that the residents of Orinda can't afford $1 a month to keep one of their greatest sources of community pride operating properly.
We know that Orinda has one of the most active and dedicated Friends of the Library groups around. We hope and expect that group members will rally the voters to either send in absentee ballots or go to the polls. In either venue, we urge those voters to vote yes on Measure E.
Copyright 2008
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