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'Obscure Law' Not the Focus of Library Issue
Dear Editor:
I urge the residents of Philipstown to refocus on the facts regarding the Butterfield Library's recently passed referendum.
First of all, EVERYONE who was registered to vote had the opportunity to vote on November 7, 2006., As citizens it is our duty to make sure we are informed regarding the issues and candidates on the ballot.
The Library went above and beyond what is required by law to inform the public about the upcoming vote. The Library had information in the Library and on their website, an article was run in the Journal News, the Friends of the Library placed a 1/2 page mock ballot ad in the PCNR, there were three letters to the editor in the PCNR (two for - one against), two public notices (one in the Putnam Courier & one in the PCNR), flyers, postcards, newsletters and yes, even lawn signs.
The only real issue with the public notices lies with the Board of Elections, not the Libra. However, the election was certified and never contested. The Town simply does not have the power to overturn an election.
In 2005, the Library did receive an annual contribution from the Town, Putnam County, and Villages of Cold Spring and Nelsonville totaling $131,519. That is $240,426 LESS than Kent Library, $131,289 LESS than Brewster Library, $197,146 LESS than Patterson Association Library and $1,389,367 LESS than Mahopac Library. Those facts are outlandish! (By the way, this information was easily found on the home page of the Library's website.)
Not one member of the Library Board is paid. It is strictly a volunteer position. The Library staff is paid, but not handsomely - a starting clerk makes $8 an hour.
The law the Library used is not an "obscure law". It is also not the focus of the real issue at hand. If you object to this or any New York State law you should contact your legislator. The law falls under New York State Education Law 259(1)(b)(1). This law allows any library, including an Association Library, to ask the taxpayers rather than the tax spenders how much funding they should receive. The law was passed in 1995 and 31 libraries in the Mid-Hudson Library System alone have held referendums under this law.
It has been reported that the Library will cause a 20% increase to the Town's budget - this too is incorrect. The Town's total budget for 2007 is almost 8 million dollars. The Library increase of $151,000 is only 1.9%!
Kathy Murphy
Philipstown
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