County Budget
* Gilbert Cedillo’s suggestions (“An Alternative to Massive Budget Cuts,” Commentary, July 13) deserve a high place on the discussion agenda.
Let us expand on Cedillo’s suggestions with the concept of “time sharing.” First, closed and underutilized libraries can time share with Head Start providers, thereby bringing funds for facilities and equipment rental into the Los Angeles County library system. This money should be used to maintain or restore services to library patrons.
Second, county managers should look to time sharing generally for the 10 to 16 hours per day that facilities are not used. Imagine providing start-up businesses with access to computers and laser printers, for a fee per hour, during quiet time at county facilities.
There might have to be changes in ordinances and statutes, and workplace rules would have to be created for the new relationships, but these should be seen as a welcome challenge in the quest for new revenue, not as an insuperable obstacle. Where there is a will, there will be a way.
VAN AJEMIAN
Montebello
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