One might wonder why the Library Bond Committee is actively working on submitting another opportunity for the voters in the Library Capital Facilities Area to support the construction of a new library in Arlington.
The unanimous consensus of the committee is that we owe the 59 percent of the people who did vote Yes in 2006 another chance to support the proposed levy. We cannot depend on just the 59 percent this time. We need an additional 2 percent to 3 percent of the voters to say Yes. The committee feels that the people living the LCFA deserve a new library. We feel that they want a new library.
With all the doom and gloom filling the newsprint and airwaves we might wonder why now? Consider the facts. Construction costs, as we all know, have increased in the last 1 1/2 years, but because of the increase in property values, the cost per $1,000 is actually less than in 2006. What better time to support our own economy with a Yes vote? We can insist that contractors and builders use local suppliers for construction material. They need to make sure the project benefits the community as a whole.
The city of Arlington has contributed a significant piece to the project. One half of a city block has been allotted for the new building, parking and green space. The existing library will become a community events center for meeting space and just imagine the possibilities.
Why are we so passionate about succeeding this year? Yes, it will cost us a few cents a day, but the return on our investment will be huge. We know the value of a new library for our community; not just for the city of Arlington. The return will be more than we can count.
Visit our web page www.anewarlingtonlibrary.org for updated information and a list of people who support the bond levy.
Please vote Yes when you receive your ballot in the mail in May.
George Boulton
Arlington