Needless Rancor Over Library

It was with some measure of sadness that I witnessed Agoura Hills Councilwoman Darlene McBane hanged in effigy on Feb. 13 by residents angry over her idea to place the proposed new city-financed Los Angeles County Library at the future park site at Morrison Park. No citizen of our community deserves this indignation.

What is going on in our little city when Ms. McBane’s mere proposal to fellow council members brings scorn and vilification? What has happened to an open, honest exchange of ideas in a free society?

Perhaps the rancor and acrimony can be placed at the feet of the City Council’s misguided perception of its duty to finance and construct a new Los Angeles County library building. Massive Los Angeles County will be the only winner as desperately needed municipal public park sites and facilities, such as the much-needed community center, the proposed park site in Liberty Canyon and development of existing parks, are placed on indefinite hold as all available resources are committed to the county library.

On the other hand, perhaps the reason for the unhappiness and divisiveness in our Agoura Hills community now results from a leadership that lacks the foresight and responsibility to create a consensus in our fledgling city. Only when our leadership places Agoura Hills first and foremost in its efforts will our citizens follow. Before Agoura Hills commits to long-term capital development, it must first forge community identity and then exhibit insightful direction in public works development. Unfortunately, to date, the present leadership has failed to do either.

GEORGE SLOTNICK

Agoura Hills