Reportedly, in last February’s election, the proposed Sno-Isle library levy received the least support in the most rural areas of Snohomish County. These are perhaps the areas a Whidbey Islander, like myself, can most relate to. It is my belief that good libraries are most valuable in just those areas that offer fewer developed community resources. Your local Sno-Isle library is a meeting hall, children’s theater, homework helper, and high-tech center for accessing information of all kinds. It is impossible to find any other such value for the price being asked.
Island County passed the levy proposal in February, but it also required approval in Snohomish County, where it narrowly missed. The vote on Tuesday gives us a second chance.
This levy funds nothing new. It only restores an ongoing operating budget lost because of statewide Initiative 747. Passage of the levy would mean only a $12 per year tax increase on a $300,000 home (even less for smaller homes). The success or defeat of this proposal will have absolutely no bearing whatsoever on any library policy issue such as Internet filtering of library computers (defeat would mean cuts to the extent and quality of library service).
I am married to a dedicated Sno-Isle librarian, but have loved libraries since receiving my first library card at age 4. Since that time my great respect for libraries has only grown. I urge you to vote yes for libraries.
Oak Harbor
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