As a grateful resident of Ann Arbor for 27 years, I’ve voted in favor of every millage and proposal that has come before the voters. Why? Because our support for improvements to such services as schools, parks, and libraries are a big part of what makes Ann Arbor such an incredible place to live.
As a person who was initially swayed by the campaign against the library bond proposal that’s on the November ballot — despite being an avid and frequent user of the Ann Arbor library system, I’m writing to share just one of the several reasons why I’ve done an abrupt about face and plan to cast a vote of YES on Nov. 6, and why I encourage you to do the same.
No. 1 Reason to vote YES: The library bond proposal is both visionary and fiscally responsible.
Library administrators and board trustees have proven over and over to be fiscally responsible, and this bond proposal aligns perfectly with that commitment. For example, the millage funding paid by residents has been used to build and improve the branch libraries, improving services to people across the city. The current bond proposal is fiscally savvy both with regard to the amount of the proposed bond and the wisdom of new construction instead of costly, restricted renovations over time. This is also a perfect time financially and practically for us to build a new library. Interest rates are low and it’s a “buyer’s” market with regard to the costs of construction. In view of these economic times, a new downtown library will give our community much greater bang for our buck while also giving life to a more expansive and exciting vision of a library of the future for this fine city that we proudly call home.
On Nov. 6, I’ll be casting an enthusiastic YES for the library bond proposal. For the sake of our entire community, I hope you’ll join me in adding your YES.
Glenda Haskell
Ann Arbor