Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby fronted a crowd of over 100 people at the first public meeting on the council's controversial proposal to introduce charges on some library books.
Organiser Vanessa Byrnes, who paid for the meeting with her own money, told the crowd that she did not want her children and elderly parents to have the burden of having to pay for library books.
Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby fronts the crowd at the first public debate on the council's proposal to introduce charges on some library books. Seated with Stuart was meeting chairperson Anne Pankhurst.
"How did we get to this point? It's a dangerous precedent for other councils. That's why the TV cameras are here, they know it's a national issue."
Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby came under fire from many in the crowd when the floor was opened to the public.
One man asked why the council was exploring reducing ratepayer contributions to the library, and if they wanted to save costs they should start with reducing the number of councillors in the city.
Another member of the public, Tauranga woman Anna Rogers, made an emotional statement that free access to library books kept her daughter "on the straight and narrow".
A solo mother of two children was in the crowd and told the mayor that her tight budget would not allow her to access library books if charges were introduced.
"Anyone on a budget will not be able to go to the library."
Stuart reassured the crowd that the council was not "anti-library" and he did not personally endorse introducing library charges.
"I support a public debate. I think that's absolutely critical. This issue is not going to go away," says Stuart.
Donation buckets were handed around the crowd to help support Vanessa, who described the library debate as a modern twist on the Emperor's New Clothes.
She told that crowd that in this case, it is obvious to everyone that the emperor is wearing no clothes, but the real challenge was pointing that out to the emperor.
"This is real. This is a core service. This is not a discretionary service. It's right up there with pooh pipes - we need it."
5 comments
Cr Mike Baker
Posted on 02-04-2010 07:44 | By The author of this comment has been removed.
My congratulations to Vanessa for organising this meeting as it certainly gave us a good opportunity to hear the views of the community loud and clear. I urge everyone to make formal submissions (which close on the 23 April) so that your voice is heard during the actual consultation period.
No further charges
Posted on 05-04-2010 18:22 | By Andria
Quote SpeakUp "A reduction of public spending has to start with a reduction of bureaucracy that feeds off ratepayers and not with important services like the library. We can do with less councilors but we cannot afford reduction of learning, education and culture. To look at the library as leisure-time pursuit center fails to realize the important societal role a library plays. Also, once the council charges for library service they will of course increase theses charges. This expensive and often self-serving local administration has become unsustainable. Ratepayers are reeling under ever-increasing rates. Reduction of bureaucracy is essential. And because Council will not tighten its own belt WE will have to do it with our vote. "A nation of sheep will be governed by wolves." ---Edward R. Murrow---"" end quote I second this statement.
No further charges
Posted on 05-04-2010 18:22 | By Andria
Quote SpeakUp "A reduction of public spending has to start with a reduction of bureaucracy that feeds off ratepayers and not with important services like the library. We can do with less councilors but we cannot afford reduction of learning, education and culture. To look at the library as leisure-time pursuit center fails to realize the important societal role a library plays. Also, once the council charges for library service they will of course increase theses charges. This expensive and often self-serving local administration has become unsustainable. Ratepayers are reeling under ever-increasing rates. Reduction of bureaucracy is essential. And because Council will not tighten its own belt WE will have to do it with our vote. "A nation of sheep will be governed by wolves." ---Edward R. Murrow---"" end quote I second this statement.
Cut bureaucracy, NOT communal services
Posted on 01-04-2010 16:18 | By SpeakUp
A reduction of public spending has to start with a reduction of bureaucracy that feeds off ratepayers and not with important services like the library. We can do with less councilors but we cannot afford reduction of learning, education and culture. To look at the library as leisure-time pursuit center fails to realize the important societal role a library plays. Also, once the council charges for library service they will of course increase theses charges. This expensive and often self-serving local administration has become unsustainable. Ratepayers are reeling under ever-increasing rates. Reduction of bureaucracy is essential. And because Council will not tighten its own belt WE will have to do it with our vote. "A nation of sheep will be governed by wolves." ---Edward R. Murrow---
What an uncivilised bunch you are
Posted on 06-04-2010 12:26 | By The author of this comment has been removed.
Eunice S . . . and in my family Vanessa will go down as the lady who took out a mortgage on the income of my children and grandchilldren. By demanding the council take money from people (ratepayers) by FORCE - to pay for something that SHE values. I also value books and reading - they are very civilised thing. FORCING people to pay for them is a MOST UNCIVILISED thing. You demand people be civilised by using uncivilised methods ie bullying and the use of force. If you were to use your MIND you may find there are alternative, more civilised methods to get what you want. But that is too difficult eh? - much easier to implement more barbaric, unthoughtful methods to get what you want. You should all be ashamed of yourselves.
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