2006 ENDORSEMENT: Vote 'Yes' on the library levy — again

Baker County voters should support the Baker County Library District with a "Yes" vote — again.

The levy failed in May not for want of a majority of "Yes" votes but because it failed to garner a double majority — by just 60 votes.

You have the opportunity to vote your support again this Nov. 7. You'll be rewarded with longer branch hours, more books and other materials — and even lower taxes, since the levy is smaller than a library construction bond that expires next years.

The library district proposes replacing an expiring levy and bond that total 84 cents per $1,000 valuation with a levy for roughly 78 cents per $1,000.

Because one of the two expiring issues went toward construction of new branches in Baker County's outlying communities, the new levy will pack even more dollars into the library's budget.

This is the latest in a multi-step approach to making Baker County's library system the envy of Eastern Oregon. First, voters approved a measure to remodel and expand the Baker City branch. Then, as that levy was about to expire, the library district appealed to voters' sense of fairness and asked to renew the levy — this time to fund branch expansion, remodeling and development in Baker County's smaller communities.

The library district's model of short-term bonds and measurable goals has built credibility with voters. We know if we vote to support the library, the library will support our needs for books, reference materials, movies, magazines, even a place to meet or get out of the heat on a summer day.

Please join us in voting "Yes" for the library.