This morning we posted two letters from "citizens'' of Oro Valley that took John Musolf to task for his view that the library under the auspice of Pima County would be horrific. (My word)
Well, guess what? Behind the scenes, pulling the strings, if you will, are none other than "The Friends of The Library."
We believe these people have every right to voice their opinion and to point out why they believe Oro Valley should maintain control of the library.
Where they "cross the line," is when collusion is involved. We need not look beyond the two letters in the June 17 Explorer that we posted here. Two Letters For Keeping Control Of Library Filled with Misrepresentations
Collusion may be a strong word, but look where it comes from.
Read these statements from "Friends of the Library": (We xxx'd out the names, but they are available)
"Someone must respond to John Musolf's letter in the Explorer. It can't be me, but I have written one that anyone could redo as their own. Please e-mail the board and ask if someone will do this. I will get the letter to them. Have them call me 825-xxxx"
"As xxxx is married to a committee member it could be construed as collusion so she and I have agreed it is best she not sign. I imagine xxxx or xxxx could sign, if they agree with xxxx points."
"Apparently xxxx has a neighbor who is going to sign off on the article. I guess this avoids any comments from the public that it is a Friends of the Library article."
"By the way, I don't think personal attacks work very well, but I hope our letter reminds people that the crank (alluding to John Musolf) resigned from the task force."
Note: The writer says "I don't think personal attacks work very well," but has no qualms referring to Mr. Musolf as "the crank."
There's much more, but this will give our readers an idea that "The Friends of the Library" will
do whatever they can to stay in control.
Why? As far as we're concerned, it's an elistist attitude of "The Friends" that we in Oro Valley are just so much better than anyone else in Pima County. Shame on them!
13 comments:
Art,
Where did this information come from? Is it a written communication that someone gave you? It sure looks worthy of a letter to the Explorer exposing the two letter writers from this week.
Cowgirl---Here's your answer, compliments of the "Friends."
Sorry, but you'll have to cut & paste.
http://groups.google.com/group/friends-of-the-oro-valley-public-library/browse_thread/thread/dc60ab08f4890f9
How many people would be convinced that these people are right when they are so stupid.
Greetings Art,
Excellent "Sleuthing".
I visited the link you provided. Very clearly, this was a "cooked up deal".
Actually, it was one of our astute bloggers that made us aware of the public goggle site.
I must say, End the handouts makes a valid point.
For those that missed last night's council meeting, the room was packed with "Friends" & "friends," many of whom addressed the council.
I saw fit to be the lone voice in opposition. But, as I noted, there are 40,000+ residents and not all of us believe we should be double or triple taxed, if there is not enough justification.
Art, I attended the meeting last night. I listened to the speakers on the budget and the library. I heard Connie Culver talk about paying double taxes for the library and she supported the sensible economic choice to turn over the library to the county. At least you had some support. Did you catch any of the dirty looks you both got? Takes guts to stand up to a room filled with the enemy.
Hi Lamb Chop--- Thanks.I was looking all over the room to see if I could find only one person I could talk to. (You need not have said, "Hi, I'm Lamb Chop.")
Yes. I would agree that CC agreed with my assessment. I don't know about her, but I can tell you, I'm not a candidate in 2010. I believe her stance last night was admirable, but the lady has "too much baggage" from her two year tenure before she was soundly defeated in her 2006 reelection bid.
It's really not too difficult (for me) to speak in opposition to a hostile group---especially when you're on the right side of the issue!
However,I do appreciate your compliment.
Art,
I just read the google e-mails. Hope you are planning to send this information to the Explorer!
I'm sorry, but collusion - really? I maybe would call it organized response - but isn't that what groups like the Friends do? Don't you guys do the same thing when you encourage your readers to talk at meetings or send letters to the editor? In my mind, collusion implies secret agendas and backroom dealings, not discussions in a chat room that anyone with a web browser can read. And what other response would you expect from the Friends - they support keeping the library in OV - OMG I'm shocked I had no idea that would be their position.
I have to be upfront to say I hold no real passions on this issue, but this post is really taking it a step too far. If people really have the right to express their opinions - as you say Art - then leave it at that.
Cyclone--- You don't have to call it "collusion." Neither did I.
I didn't have to. All I needed to do was post the email sent by one of the "Friends."
You obviously missed that part of the post, so, for your benefit, here it is again.
"As xxxx is married to a committee member it could be construed as collusion so she and I have agreed it is best she not sign. I imagine xxxx or xxxx could sign, if they agree with xxxx points."
Cyclone 1,
If the Friends of the Library wanted to express their concerns, they should have written and signed their own letters instead of trying to get them published surreptitiously.
It's just the way they went about it that was underhanded.
Art, What you do by speaking out shows you are truly interested in the future of Oro Valley.
I listened carefully to all the speakers last night.
On the budget you talked about the misuse of the contingency fund. Bill Adler wants a property tax to give the council more money to throw away.
Connie Culver talked about hard times and asked the Council to not spend money foolishly, she agrees with you about the library, she defended Salette on her protection of animals and she nicely disagreed with BA that more taxes are a bad idea.
Maybe those comments should be posted here too.
Recently you criticized CC and Cox for telling the truth about Abbott. Seems their assessment was right on. PA voted to pass one of the worst budgets in the history of OV.
We need some common sense on the Council.
The Mayor and three council seats will be open in 2010.
Everyone makes mistakes Art, even you.
Hey "Lamb Chop"--- Perhaps the next time you see me, you'll introduce yourself. (You know me. I don't know you.)
I'd be happy to discuss anything about the town issues, and some of the various people you mention.
That way, I could give you a more direct assessment of my views, although you already have a good idea on most everything.
As to the comments you allude to, I stand by what I said at the time I said it.
However, you are correct in one sense. If I feel I made a mistake, I'll acknowledge that, but, "what was, was. What is, is."
Or, saying it another way; "That was then. This is now."
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