I’ve seen some posts circulating suggesting that a vote for me is a vote for a library tax. Let me be direct about where I stand.
Yes, I’m the Library Board President. Yes, I signed a memo after last April’s referendum. Here’s what that memo actually said: the Library Board acknowledged the voters’ decision and committed to continuing free programming while exploring fiscally responsible options. That’s exactly what we’ve been doing.
When the memo references “investigating physical space,” that means exploring interim space for programming. Currently we rely on community businesses and other village facilities to host our programs. It’s not a commitment to constructing a new library building.
A library facility is not included in the Village’s capital prioritization, facilities master plan, financial management plan, or current budget. These are long term planning documents the Village Board has approved. Any new level of library service would need to be built into those plans and would require an operational referendum, meaning voters would ultimately decide.
I believe library programming strengthen communities, AND I believe in fiscal responsibility and listening to voters. Those aren’t contradictory. The Library Board just posted our updated mission statement reflecting this direction. You can find it on the Village of Cottage Grove Library Board Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1G7EQobQ3u/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Transparency and honest conversation matter to me. That’s the kind of leadership I want to bring to the Village Board.
JP for Cottage Grove 