Addressing Need for Library Funding

* Heartiest congratulations to Ventura City Councilman Gary Tuttle on his progressive and far-seeing sense of priority, when he was recently quoted as saying we need to “fund the libraries just so we can do something else around here.”

May I suggest there is nothing more important than a city’s access to knowledge, intellect and learning, certainly, at least, not the welfare of Schwinn and Roadmaster.

Again, many thanks to Councilman Tuttle’s efforts to lead us into the 20th century.

RAHN HARRIS

Ventura

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* The county insists that it can no longer afford to subsidize the Library Services Agency. So, the Board of Supervisors unanimously agrees to spend $100,000 it probably doesn’t have to pay some unknown consultant to study Frank Schillo’s library rescue scam--er, plan.

When fielding complaints, the county’s chief financial officer always explains that Ventura County pays top dollar to attract and retain the cream of the capable government management crop. We should all expect that there has to be some “capable” somebody at County Center that could determine the soundness of all of the supervisor’s ideas.

Aside from that, a question arises as to why Mr. Schillo’s plan calls for both turning control of the libraries over to the cities and establishing another new tax district. If a tax measure (by any other rosy name) passes and earmarks the gathered funds specifically for libraries, wouldn’t the county then have the funding to maintain the current system? Why would the cities have to be involved?

Perhaps another solution might be found in eliminating the LSA altogether and folding its budget and properties into the school district. The schools could then save the county some rent money by moving the current libraries onto district property. Or, they could move their books and equipment into the existing neighborhood libraries and free up some sorely needed classroom space.

BRUCE ROLAND

Ojai