EDITOR:
The Board of Trustees for the Mid-Continent Public Library consists of twelve members, four representatives from each county: Platte, Clay, and Jackson. The board recently voted to reverse an increase in the operating levy, which was the approved by voters in 2016. This was the first increase approved in thirty years. I strongly oppose this irresponsible and unwise tax cut, which will net property owners only about $5 to $12. Therefore, I am sending the following letter to the Board of Trustees, and I strongly encourage all residents of Platte County to not allow the board to counteract the will of the voters.
Board of Trustees
Mid-Continent Public Library
15616 E. US Hwy 24
Independence, MO 64050
Dear Board of Trustees,
I learned of the recent cut to the budget to the Mid-Continent Public Library system with dismay. We moved to the Kansas City area in 2006. My husband was already here, and he picked me up at the airport. On the way from the airport to our new home, we made one stop. It was to the local branch of the public library so that I could obtain a library card. I have loved libraries since I was a child. However, becoming a mother and a teacher reinforced my opinion that libraries are the backbone of the community.
They hold story hours for children, provide internet and computer services, foster literacy, create heathy communities, support culture and creativity, give access to archives and periodicals, and provide public spaces. Libraries generate more in benefits than the money invested.
In addition, as an editorial in The Kansas City Star on 9/26/22 stated, this “change is a serious reversal of voters’ intent in 2016. With 62.3% in favor, voters overwhelmingly approved a property tax increase to better support libraries.” The tax savings to individual property owners will be miniscule.
Please reverse this egregious error.
---Cathy Manning
Kansas City in
Platte County