The issue is NOT whether library services are valuable community assets. Nor is it the loss of revenues because of Sacramento's financial mess. Rather it's WHO gets to determine WHO pays for WHAT services?

The Library is ALREADY supported by landowners [it receives part of all property taxes collected]. This portion has increased over 60% during the last 6 years [10%/annum], and it is scheduled to increase by another 6%+ in fiscal year 2003-04! Additionally, the Library is ALREADY receiving a parcel tax; again from landowners. Measure B seeks to extend this tax and increase it by 25%.

Today it is the Library playing Chicken Little and crying "the sky is falling..." [although there are several school districts on this ballot who have joined the choir], unless voters send a message tomorrow every other special district [schools; community colleges; parks; cemeteries; hospitals; fire departments; water, flood, waste, etc.] will play their "special tax cards." Landowners are on a merry-go-round. If nonresidents, they don't even get to vote [what happened to one property, one vote?].

Included in the list of "reductions" if Measure B doesn't pass are "storytelling and after-school activities." Why should landowners pay for "baby-sitting?" When did our libraries turn into VHS/CD/DVD rental stores, where rentals are free? When did they turn into Internet cafes, where Internet access is free? Most government is open 5 days/week. Why 24/7 [figuratively] for libraries? Although more services are great, it is wrong to ask for "more" when you're unwilling to pay because you're not a landowner!

By voting NO you send the message that "business as usual" is no
longer acceptable; libraries must live within their financial means like the rest of us; and, they must explore more innovative/fairer means of raising revenues.

For more information visit http://www.VoteNoOnB.us