Finances: Assessing Tax for Library Services
An open letter to Gardena Mayor Donald L. Dear:
I cannot believe that Gardena, with its relatively solid tax base due to playing upon people’s vices, has failed to follow Carson and Lomita in assessing a mere $28.50 per year, per house, to support library services.
The library system is the cornerstone of democracy. How can we hope to have an informed electorate at all income levels without adequate access to information. Instead of finding ways to keep the public out, we should be doing everything in our power to bring them in.
We complain about the youth who seem to have too much time with which to cause trouble. “They just aren’t as good as we were” is the cry of generations who are old enough to be homeowners. However, we extended our school day, and week, by spending much time in the library. For $28.50 a year this household is willing to offer the same opportunity to today’s youth.
It is time to do the right thing. Show a little political courage and leadership. Bring the issue back to the City Council and vote for extending library services.
RICHARD E. INGALLS
Gardena
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