Our city’s Finance Committee (Alderpersons O’Connor, Elmore, and Schuler) listened attentively for almost an hour as Library Board Building & Grounds Chairman John Savage presented the plans for a new Aurora Public Library. It was comprised of printed copies, a Powerpoint presentation, and iPad versions for each of the aldermen on the committee.
Mr. Savage presented a global concept of future library services for Aurora that went far beyond a description of yet another, larger book depository. He stressed the fact that the plans focus upon technology, flexibility, and collaboration with schools and businesses. That’s code for “we have plenty of ideas, hopes, and dreams”.
Mr. Savage stated that the Aurora Public Library will be “a cultural center instead book storage”. We’re not erecting just a building, but a complex system of additional satellite facilities, more locations in schools, and even book kiosks similar to the Red Box machines that offer DVDs. Technology - whatever that means specifically - will be such that Aurora will be able to boast of having, “the most cutting edge library in the nation”.
This is someone’s dream, a beautiful compilation of wants that the library board has decided that the citizens of Aurora need. All the library board needs to start work on fulfilling our collective need (dream) is $30 million. That money will get things rolling and allow for the new library to open in 2014. Expenses after completion have not yet been accounted for. To sweeten the concept of additional taxes, the project will direct jobs to local vendors and local contractors, thereby redistributing some of those dollars to the lucky few who find work on the project.
This proposal for financing has been before the finance committee for many months and there has yet to be a decision. Even after today’s arduous presentation, the committee chairman (Mr. O'Connor) decided to put a decision off for yet another week where it will hopefully be decided upon on Tuesday, April 3 at 4pm, just prior to the meeting of the Committee of the Whole.
Perhaps the Finance Committee has yet to draw a conclusion, but how long should we have to wait. After hearing a presentation by the library folks last month the decision was put off until today. Now its delayed to next week. How difficult can it be to come down on one side or the other? They’ve been elected to decide, not tap dance around an issue. Chairman O’Connor was effusive with praise for Mr. Savage’s presentation and still decided to not decide today.
It isn’t difficult to establish how I would vote on this issue, but it isn’t up to me. Actually, it is up to only three people. Three. If two of them decide in favor of the plans and the tax increase, it is passed to the Committee of the Whole and then to the full City Council. The proposition fails for now if the committee votes against it. As a voter I’m disappointed that our elected officials don’t seem to able to make the decision. The “Yes” vote approves the project and raises taxes. The “No” vote disappoints those who believe Aurora needs to have “the most cutting edge library in the nation”.
What’s it going to be? Really. It is long past time to stop playing and do the job you're elected to do.
