Editorial: Measure L – vote yes in June
Publisher’s note: Lake Tahoe News convened an editorial panel of six South Shore residents to decide on this endorsement for the June primary.
Twenty bucks doesn’t get you much these days unless you are at the South Lake Tahoe Library.
For that amount of money you get unlimited access to books, periodicals, an array of events, time on computers and the ability to pick the brain of the experts who work behind the counter.
In all of those resources a whole new world could be discovered – life beyond the confines of Tahoe, as well as imaginary places. Books stimulate the imagination, they educate us, they relax us and they challenge us to think differently.
Libraries are the great equalizer. The cost is the same for everyone – free. This is because property owners pay the taxes to keep them going.
But they are also an equalizer in that they provide access to information. Even in this high-tech world we live in, not everyone has a personal computer or smart phone. Nor does everyone have the means to purchase books.
Even for those who do have the money to buy books, the library is still a resource. So many people don’t want to buys books so the libraries “rent” them. These days they can even be checked out as an ebook. Many people who are in book clubs choose the library over the bookstore.
Audio books are also available. These are great for long car rides or for those whose eyesight isn’t what it was.
Programs are offered starting with infants. Study after study proves that reading to children will better prepare them for school, and thus life. For adults whose first language is not English, these programs help teach them a new written and verbal language as well.
The library is constantly coming up with creative ways to reach people. The “appy hour” was developed to help people with smart phones learn how to use various apps.
Then there is the Friends of the Library that brings in authors to give readings and sign books. This nonprofit group is an extension of the library and is able to provide events beyond what the county can do.
But the problem is the tax that supports the library is about to expire. If it does, it means the South Lake Tahoe Library would have to cut hours and programs, and one day may not exist.
We can’t imagine our town without a library. That is why we whole-heartedly support Measure L.
Measure L will be on the June 3 ballot. It is specific to the South Lake Tahoe library. It asks residents to continue paying the $20 year fee per parcel. This is not a new tax, but would be continuing the one already in place. The amount could go up based on the Consumer Price Index of no more than 3 percent per year. It will never exceed $28.50 per year. It would expire in 12 years. It will require two-thirds of the voters’ approval for passage.
Everyone except the library employees should vote “No.” on this tax. As for the reason it is now expiring is that it was intended to expire in the first case. That’s how it was originally proposed to the tax payers; that it would expire and we would be done with this added tax upon its expiration. Of course the government employees are clever and knew that they would propose this again, once the old tax expired. That’s how the government employees pull the wool over people’s eyes when voting time comes. Let’s face one simple fact. The taxpayers never intended this tax to continue endlessly when it was first approved. Another reason to vote “No.” is that the library is good enough, and will not go away with a “No.” vote. All the things they threaten to take away will continue with a “No.” vote. This is just a threat to persuade voters to vote with their fear, not with their brains.
Sounds like a GOP tactic pizza eater. Ill vote yes because im ok with supporting this great community asset and its not alot of beans in the scheme of things.
GO : The government tactic here is to say good things in support of a tax measure. When people speak of good things, there is a positive spin on what is in fact more taxation. I view more taxation as more government spending, taking more money from the taxpayers. You see how I’ve spoken negatively about this initiative. It’s very easy for people to view my comment as being negative, and bad. But in fact, I’m standing against excessive taxation, and you are in support of excessive taxation. I view my position as being positive in favor of the citizens that have to pay the bills in this community. I view your position as being, “I don’t give a damn, as long as the money isn’t coming from me.” I won’t respond to you any further, so don’t try to waist my time.
Very well said tahoe Pizza Eater, Thank you
You have more support than you know. We are all tired of paying more taxes.
Pizza pig, I gladly pay the small tax in favor of supporting my community library. I do not have issue with being taxed to support the things I use daily, like roads, clean water, clean air, safe food (just to name a few) and, yes, I am fine with contributing my hard earned money to help folks that are less fortunate than I am. Im not at all passing the “buck”to anyone else. Nor am i whining about supporting my local community library. Once again, I hope you can find a country somewhere else that suits your needs. I do pay these taxes as I am a property owner.
go figure: Little tax here another tax there and you’re fine with it. Spoken like a true (following the flock) liberal.
So what kit cjab. Im proud of what I believe and that I can contribute to the society I live in. Looking forward to the day people like you can move to the land of the takers some imaginary nirvana under your rock. Your b s wont ruin my day.
Not trying to ruin your day, but don’t you ever question the governments continual over spending? If I don’t have the money in my account, I don’t buy or take as you put it. It’s grade school 101.
This stinking government continues to spend money IT DOESN’T HAVE. Then it turns to YOU, Joe Taxpayer to give them more money…and you see nothing wrong with that? Good luck, you will soon be taxed (or as you say contribute) out of your home. Then as locusts do, the government will move on to another liberal fool. There is NO end in sight. You are proud to be fooled and I am proud not to be. Have a nice day.
Kit cjab. BLA BLA BLA. your still reading the fox noise script. Hope that works for you.
‘you will soon be taxed (or as you say contribute) out of your home’
Hyperbolic fear mongering from conservatives. Shocking
I won’t engage in the name-calling (altho one above was pretty funny)… and even though I don’t live full-time in SLT – I will gladly pay $20 to support one of the greatest assets any community can support with my property tax (even though I don’t get to vote – I get to pay). Libraries have always been a community and resource center which welcomes everyone to “engage”. Library workers try to answer questions and give resource directions to those less able to access the information highway from home. Every age level is an equal recipient of library resources, and it is a cheap benefit for $20 per year. Most of us could learn a lot by visiting our public library!
I would rather support the library than the street sweeper who causes such smokes of dust in the attempt to (purportedly) clean our streets.
Hard 2 , and Kit C : Thanks for your support here. Keep fighting the good fight.
Pizza, CJ, Hard, Dog, et al: Conservative libertarianism homogeny is nothing more than consevasheep mentality.
Live fuller, more open minded lives my internally suppressed friends!
IRISH : We already pay taxes to support the library. The library is supported by general taxation. The $20 is in addition to what we already pay. The library won’t go away if this is voted down.
Gosh, Level, those are some big words. Too bad you don’t know what they mean.
Huh.
Dog, your above comment proves my point from another thread.
Peace out.
And in my estimation the Library would be a steal at $40 a year!
Pizza, Kit and Dog. How ironic that civilizations for thousands of years have been trying to record and pass on information in the form or script, books and libraries. For thousands of years civilized people understand the VALUE of Libraries to the health of the community at large. YET, you collectively try to write off our Library as just another Gubment ploy. Just because you hate or don’t believe in our civilization does not mean you are not part of it. YES ON MEASURE L.