Other Taxing Issues - Library Expansion
Post-Election Analysis
written for the Warrensburg Free Press and substantially published in its second issue, 4/11/02
+ The CMSU library is handy; let people pay and use it.
+ A move to the new location would hurt the core of downtown Warrensburg.
+ The letters to the editor supporting the issue looked too orchestrated.
+ The signs “vote for ‘our’ library” irritated voters outside Warrensburg who felt they’d gain no ownership benefits from the new building.
+ The building is too fancy. The energy efficiency of the building was never addressed, and voters were well aware of the high use at Warrensburg’s community center.
+ Voters didn’t feel assured that there would be enough money to operate the library once it was built (asked by those who are aware of Warrensburg’s Community Center problems).
+ Lafayette County voters asked why should Warrensburg get all benefits when other places need the revenue more.
+ The organized supporters all seemed to come from what was termed the “usual suspects.”
+ The lack of last-minute advertising did not give an extra push to the undecided voter.
+ People in the fast-growing Pittsville area (78% against) use Jackson County libraries.