Please dont let our libraries close!

What?!?! 1st our County Commissioners (a 3 person panel) decided to discontinue/close up our County Health Clinics come the 1st of the year. The county health clinics are the only semi-affordable option for those of us without health insurance. Ok - so this is going to stink big time!

THEN . . . . these same County Commissioners thought it was then a priority to close our public libraries as well. Apparently the county wants to get out of the service industry.

They like to make it about math. There is not enough money. We have "X" amount of dollars & we choose to spend it this way instead. Fine, but shouldnt the citizens have a right to vote on these big ticket items like our libraries & health care? Sure, trust the commissioners on deciding themselves on how much they spend on garbage bag liners at county parks, etc., but discontinuing critical services without a majority vote by the citizens?!?!


Health Clinics : Done. Nothing we can do at this point.

Saving our libraries: There is an option that is being proposed. See Below for more info.


On February 7, 2008, Clackamas County commissioners passed resolution 2008-19 that progressively defunds local libraries of all county money over the next six years. At the end of that period, the Clackamas County General Fund will no longer fund the library system at all. A 'no' vote on this measure will not preserve the library system's present funding situation. The Clackamas County Library District, if approved, will be assessed at 39 cents per $1000 of assessed property value.

Of course the option to save our libraries means more taxes but what other choice do we have?

Other ways to get involved in this crusade can be found at this website:
http://keepourlibrariesopen.org/facts.html


I do have to spout off one more brief second. Here is an analogy for you to ponder:

I am a Landscpaer Groundskeeper by profession.
I charge my clients $200 a month for the following services:
Mowing, Pruning, Planting, Weeding, Barkdusting, Blowing, Raking,
Pressure Washing Concrete, Cleaning Gutters, & Window Washing.

If I decided to stop including pressure washing, Gutter cleaning & window washing as part of my service . . . wouldnt you the client expect the $200/mos charge to be reduced for the reduction in services provided?

No such luck with the county though. They are cutting two major services but our taxes wont be reduced. In fact if we want to save our libraries we will be charged even more! CrAzY if you ask me.