Measure T is a small price to pay for our libraries
Editor, Ceres Courier,
Economic hardships make it challenging for all of us to stretch a dollar. Inflation even makes the notion that "you can't get much for a penny" outdated. But is that true?
Since the voter approval of the eighth-cent library sales tax in 1995 the 13 branches of the Stanislaus County Library system have provided: over a million new books and materials, special children's programs and Story Times, helped nearly 10,000 adults improve literacy through Reading Works, provided access to computer technology for residents, and over 2-1/2 million reference questions have been answered (in person, by phone, fax, email, and online chat). When you were asked to vote then, promises were made. Those promises were kept.
Voters judicially voted to extend this special tax for an additional 5 years in 1999, and again for another eight years in 2004. It will expire June 30, 2013. Voting 'yes' on Measure T insures that the eighth-cent tax, previously approved and renewed by county voters, will continue. The funding provides 87 percent of what our libraries need to operate. Many libraries will be forced to close without it.
The average Stanislaus County household contributes $1.66 through taxable purchases. The investment is priceless.
Pick that discarded penny up off the sidewalk and know that you'll be putting it to good use. Vote 'yes' on Measure T on June 5. Save the Stanislaus Libraries without raising taxes.
Margie Bogard,
Ceres
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On Occupiers' left agenda
Editor, Ceres Courier,
On May 1 the Occupy Wall Street organization has planned protests throughout America. Why has May 1 been a day of protest of left wing organizations over the years? May 1 is May Day, which is the main holiday of the Communists and socialized governments. These radicals are pushing for the end of individual freedom and limited government. What they want is expanded government and control. They talk about taxing the rich; but never talk about limiting the expanded role of the government. America's greatness is from individual freedom without government interference. These progressive liberal socialists are leading America to its internal death.
Thomas Jefferson warned America that "a government big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take away everything you have."
Frank Aquila,
Manteca
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LETTERS POLICY: Letters to the editor will be considered for publication but must be signed with the author's name, address and telephone number. Letters should contain 250 words or less and be void of libelous statements. Letters may be sent to The Ceres Courier, P.O. Box 7, Ceres, CA 95307, or emailed to jeffb@cerescourier.com
Editor, Ceres Courier,
Economic hardships make it challenging for all of us to stretch a dollar. Inflation even makes the notion that "you can't get much for a penny" outdated. But is that true?
Since the voter approval of the eighth-cent library sales tax in 1995 the 13 branches of the Stanislaus County Library system have provided: over a million new books and materials, special children's programs and Story Times, helped nearly 10,000 adults improve literacy through Reading Works, provided access to computer technology for residents, and over 2-1/2 million reference questions have been answered (in person, by phone, fax, email, and online chat). When you were asked to vote then, promises were made. Those promises were kept.
Voters judicially voted to extend this special tax for an additional 5 years in 1999, and again for another eight years in 2004. It will expire June 30, 2013. Voting 'yes' on Measure T insures that the eighth-cent tax, previously approved and renewed by county voters, will continue. The funding provides 87 percent of what our libraries need to operate. Many libraries will be forced to close without it.
The average Stanislaus County household contributes $1.66 through taxable purchases. The investment is priceless.
Pick that discarded penny up off the sidewalk and know that you'll be putting it to good use. Vote 'yes' on Measure T on June 5. Save the Stanislaus Libraries without raising taxes.
Margie Bogard,
Ceres
* * * * * * *
On Occupiers' left agenda
Editor, Ceres Courier,
On May 1 the Occupy Wall Street organization has planned protests throughout America. Why has May 1 been a day of protest of left wing organizations over the years? May 1 is May Day, which is the main holiday of the Communists and socialized governments. These radicals are pushing for the end of individual freedom and limited government. What they want is expanded government and control. They talk about taxing the rich; but never talk about limiting the expanded role of the government. America's greatness is from individual freedom without government interference. These progressive liberal socialists are leading America to its internal death.
Thomas Jefferson warned America that "a government big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take away everything you have."
Frank Aquila,
Manteca
* * * * * * *
LETTERS POLICY: Letters to the editor will be considered for publication but must be signed with the author's name, address and telephone number. Letters should contain 250 words or less and be void of libelous statements. Letters may be sent to The Ceres Courier, P.O. Box 7, Ceres, CA 95307, or emailed to jeffb@cerescourier.com
