Less money hurts library

I am writing regarding the recent Racine County Board meeting. As one of the four residents who spoke about the budget during the open meeting, I write to add to the coverage in The Journal Times. I supported the county funding, actually increased funding, for the Racine Public Library.

I spoke in my role as the president of the Racine Public Library Board of Trustees.

I noted that by all measures, library use is way up from last year and in the most recent quarter. I cited statistics and I noted that as the economy worsens for individuals, the library provides free computer use, access to resources as well as free programs for children and adults. By the way, besides printed materials and computers, the library also offers music, movies and reference help to know how to use what it offers. It offers interlibrary loan to help patrons obtain what the library does not have on hand.

I then pointed out that while our use is up, so are our costs ... but our funding per cost at best remains flat, and has for some years. I said that by whatever formula accountants use, the funding does not cover the entire cost of the library's service to the county. Sooner or later, when costs increase and use increases, service will be affected ... and this is so even though the dedicated library staff has been efficient and creative in handling the situation. One result has been our unfortunate need to close on Sundays.

I invite residents to use the library and enjoy one of Racine's great resources. Take advantage of the resources, the programs ... and the view.

Theron P. Snell

Racine

No buses a step backward

Well, here we go again, Caledonia once again trying to go back to horse and buggy days.

I commend the chairman and trustees who voted against taking bus service away.

What a brainless way to serve Caledonians. Many people can't afford or are unable to drive a car. What a huge slap in the face to businesses in Green Tree Shopping Center.

We had bus service for 22 years. It wasn't the best schedule but it helped many get to jobs, helped seniors and families go into Racine. A four-member committee of which I was chairwoman worked for four years to get bus service on Caledonia's East side. A past chairman and board member worked and eliminated it!

I was told this is a bedroom community with three- or four-car garages.

Excuse me! Some families had/have a hard time affording one car. These are tough economic times, people need public transportation. We have geniuses, village trustees taking us backwards.

Parks should be open and maintained. Yes, we need buses and train service. We do not need to be isolated back to the 18th century.

I like having services like police, fire, highway, paramedics, transport and garbage pickup. If I have to pay a few more dollars in taxes, I will. Caledonia is one of the lowest taxed municipalities around. The naysayers are screaming no more taxes, they were screaming when Caledonia wanted paramedics.

I was taught people need services and they can't come free. Want a good thriving community? Keep good services.

Shirley Dandeneau

Caledonia

Thieves ruin Halloween

Not only were there ghosts and goblins out on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning but robbers were set out to take all they could get from some homes on Hayes Avenue. I went out to get three large pumpkins to warm up before carving them with my granddaughter. When I found them missing from our front porch, along with a newly painted green and beige park bench, an autumn flag and holder, a metal pumpkin holder, a metal lantern, our Halloween decorations and all our solar lights from our yard. You really spoiled our Halloween and our pride in fixing up our yard. You thieves had to have a truck to haul all these items away. I hope every time you sit on the bench you think about the people you stole it from and how you spoiled their Halloween and spirit.

Teri Anchondo

Hayes Avenue

Buses needed

I am responding to the reports that Caledonia is recommending removing transit money. If this happens it would not be good. Why must Caledonia put parks before transit? In this day and the economy the way this shouldn't happen. I am a bus rider and I can't understand it. Please Caledonia, rethink your attitude.

Laurie Kell

Racine