Letter of support from State Representative Kevin Bacon

Huge library cuts are not the right way to trim budget

To the Editor:

I stand with Worthington Libraries, and my constituents in opposing Gov. Strickland's proposal to cut funding to Ohio's libraries by 30 percent.

As pointed out by Director Meribah Mansfield, under the governor's proposal, the Worthington Libraries will have to choose between cutting services, limiting hours, limiting staff or possibly all of the above. This will total over $1 million in lost funding for Worthington Libraries, which would be devastating.

Our libraries keep the public well informed and educated. Our libraries also provide resources that individuals and families in our community cannot afford. Libraries educate our youth, provide job search opportunities for the community's unemployed, and allow access to the disabled and elderly. In a down, economy, we need library services more than any other time. As such. I do not believe that cuts will benefit our state.

I have supported, and continue to support, major government consolidation and waste reductions measures that would make up for these proposed cuts and much of the budget shortfall. The protectionism surrounding the state agencies, boards and commissions results in duplication and waste. It is unfortunate that the libraries could bear the brunt of these inefficiencies. Unless major changes are made to the current budget proposal, I will not vote in favor of it.

While it has been a very difficult budget process, I am refreshed by the outpouring of communication amongst library supporters and others who care deeply about our community. Regarding the library cuts alone, I received approximately 32,000 e-mails in less than a week. I would like to thanks all of my constituents who have contacted my office to voice their concern over these cuts. Their voice has certainly been heard, and I always welcome their input.

Kevin Bacon
state representative, Ohio House District 21