I voted for Mayor Michael Nutter's and am generally happy with and sympathetic
to his job.
I listened to his recent speech, regarding the need for and choices of budget
cuts.
I agree there is a need for 'belt tightening' and appreciate his statement that
we must be thoughtful about needs and goals, but... I feel outrage that so many
cuts are targeted toward children and those folks dependent upon shared assets
and common good. We will not 'save' the city if it is at the expense of
children who depend upon recreation centers, swimming pools and libraries.
Further, when one looks at the rec centers and libraries targeted for
elimination, they seem to be those in poorer neighborhoods and include some
that were recently renovated.
I ask everyone to think sincerely and compassionately about real needs and best
possible futures and to contact Mayor Nutter asking him to rethink cuts that
may lead to more harm than good.
Most of us would define real needs as FOOD, CLOTHING & SHELTER, followed
perhaps by ART-CULTURE-EDUCATION and PUBLIC and other TRANSPORTATION. Most of
us would also prefer making things more efficient and eliminating redundancies
to the permanent closing of services that we have relied upon for years.
When I imagine our best future it includes better education and training for
Children, to raise them up to be capable and contributing Adults. Our Public
Schools are a work-in-progress. Many do not have adequate libraries. The
Comegys School, near the Kingsessing Free Library, does not have a Library. It
seems short sighted and cruel to close the Kingsessing Library. Children love
it. Children use it. Children need it. It has a nice computer center. It is
giving poor kids a window on the world and access to books that inform and
inspire. The staff seems competent and committed. It works!
Please call or write mayor Nutter (215) 686-300 and
call or write Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, (215) 686-3418, or -3419.
Ask both to save our Library.
I have not had time to check out the following website, but I saw a flyer for:
www.SaveKingsessingLibrary.com
while I was enjoying a delicious coffee at the Satellite Cafe.
I hope it is a useful tool.
I felt good knowing that folks are already reacting to the announcement in
support of a Library which does much (book clubs, after school activities, safe
haven, life long learning, respite reading, etc. etc.) for so many. I love the
many ways this neighborhood uses restaurants, coffee shops and List-servers to
connect.
I think Kingsessing is another Carnegie Library, like the one at 40th Street,
and thus may not be available for any other use.
I am reminded of the skill and heroic efforts of Beth-Ann Johnson who helped
save the Library at 40th Street and I fervently hope that she, and others like
her, will get involved in saving the Kingsessing Library.
All the best!
Liz Campion
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