The Pleasant Hill Library Fund recently released the results of survey they conducted with candidates running for 3 open seats for the Pleasant Hill City Council.
"The PHLF (http://www.phcommunityfoundation.org/library+project.html) is a grassroots community organization whose vision is the development of a new Library building for Pleasant Hill. The PHLF is a project of the well-established Pleasant Hill Community Foundation. The PHLF believes that a strong and vibrant library is the foundation for our community’s future. An integral part of the PHLF’s project is to partner with the Pleasant Hill City Council and city staff to facilitate the extensive plans that are necessary for constructing a new library facility."
I would say the decision of who NOT to vote for is more clear than who TO vote for. Read the below Q&A and decide for yourself.
Pleasant Hill Library Fund
Questionnaire for Candidates for Pleasant Hill City Council
Jeremy Cloward: Books are one of the most important things that man has created. Reading can help an individual develop him or herself into a more complete person. Through reading, one can amass knowledge, come to a proper understanding of the world, a clearer view of themselves, and then participate in the world in a meaningful way. In short, reading can help an individual live a more happy life. The Pleasant Hill library can help to serve this end.
Jessica Braverman: A visit to the Pleasant Hill Library is an entire experience unparalled by any other as the library provides an array of resources and access to data, books, music, periodicals and more. It is definitely a place to be treasured. And I think our library is reflective of our town- accessible, diverse, friendly, helpful, fun, innovative, cutting edge, informative, inviting, inclusive, etc.- as the library enhances the quality of life for our citizens. I also see the “green” quality of our Pleasant Hill library as a place where resources are “reused”, not just purchased and then discarded, but a place where seniors, teens, business people and residents can come to borrow a book, some music, a periodical or whatever they seek. The quality of life in pleasant hill is enhanced by a well equipped and staffed library.
Jim Bonato: The sheer numbers of Pleasant Hill residents – of all ages – who visit the library daily or weekly is testimony to its value. Whether the services used are traditional or new programs, people come to the library, use the library, and cherish the library as an important element contributing to the quality of their lives.
Tim Flaherty: The proximity of the PH library to my house was a big factor when I purchased my house in 1996. I spent countless hours in my neighborhood library growing up in San Francisco and was thrilled to introduce my children to our neighborhood library in Pleasant Hill. A vibrant library is reflective of a vibrant and engaged community. The PH library is more than a repository of books. It is a community center; it is an educational center; it is an information and media center. The library provides programs and activities for our youngest citizens to our most senior. The PH library has transitioned to the age of electronic delivery of books and information quite well, but we must not lose our ability to hold a bound book in our hands, smell the ink and binding, view the wrinkles and creases developed over time by previous readers.
"The PHLF (http://www.phcommunityfoundation.org/library+project.html) is a grassroots community organization whose vision is the development of a new Library building for Pleasant Hill. The PHLF is a project of the well-established Pleasant Hill Community Foundation. The PHLF believes that a strong and vibrant library is the foundation for our community’s future. An integral part of the PHLF’s project is to partner with the Pleasant Hill City Council and city staff to facilitate the extensive plans that are necessary for constructing a new library facility."
I would say the decision of who NOT to vote for is more clear than who TO vote for. Read the below Q&A and decide for yourself.
Pleasant Hill Library Fund
Questionnaire for Candidates for Pleasant Hill City Council
Jeremy Cloward: Books are one of the most important things that man has created. Reading can help an individual develop him or herself into a more complete person. Through reading, one can amass knowledge, come to a proper understanding of the world, a clearer view of themselves, and then participate in the world in a meaningful way. In short, reading can help an individual live a more happy life. The Pleasant Hill library can help to serve this end.
Jessica Braverman: A visit to the Pleasant Hill Library is an entire experience unparalled by any other as the library provides an array of resources and access to data, books, music, periodicals and more. It is definitely a place to be treasured. And I think our library is reflective of our town- accessible, diverse, friendly, helpful, fun, innovative, cutting edge, informative, inviting, inclusive, etc.- as the library enhances the quality of life for our citizens. I also see the “green” quality of our Pleasant Hill library as a place where resources are “reused”, not just purchased and then discarded, but a place where seniors, teens, business people and residents can come to borrow a book, some music, a periodical or whatever they seek. The quality of life in pleasant hill is enhanced by a well equipped and staffed library.
Jim Bonato: The sheer numbers of Pleasant Hill residents – of all ages – who visit the library daily or weekly is testimony to its value. Whether the services used are traditional or new programs, people come to the library, use the library, and cherish the library as an important element contributing to the quality of their lives.
Tim Flaherty: The proximity of the PH library to my house was a big factor when I purchased my house in 1996. I spent countless hours in my neighborhood library growing up in San Francisco and was thrilled to introduce my children to our neighborhood library in Pleasant Hill. A vibrant library is reflective of a vibrant and engaged community. The PH library is more than a repository of books. It is a community center; it is an educational center; it is an information and media center. The library provides programs and activities for our youngest citizens to our most senior. The PH library has transitioned to the age of electronic delivery of books and information quite well, but we must not lose our ability to hold a bound book in our hands, smell the ink and binding, view the wrinkles and creases developed over time by previous readers.
1. How does the Pleasant Hill Library contribute to the quality of life in Pleasant Hill?
Michael Flake: The library provides access to information and materials that no individual can reasonably
expected to obtain. As such, any resident challenged with researching an item or simply looking for
recreational reading material can rely upon the library without having to expend significant resources and
time to obtain information that meets their needs. The library represents an institution that allows
Pleasant Hill to honor the search for knowledge and care about its children and less fortunate by
providing free access to information and entertainment. In addition, the library provides a central location
for accessing important documents for public comment, such as environmental documents, especially
those documents related to large projects (e.g. East Span Replacement Project for the San Francisco &
Oakland Bay Bridge).
David Durant: Libraries are great institutions and repositories of knowledge and civilization. They act as
gateways to worlds unknown. Even in the age of the Internet, libraries still represent an ideal of a
society’s commitment to knowledge, education, historical preservation, but also to a world of fantasy and
exploration of all kinds (through music, literature and the oral tradition of storytelling), and a public gift
available to all regardless of means or circumstance.
When I worked on the 2002 effort to develop a plan for a Pleasant Hill library, I wrote:
“It goes without saying that early experiences with books and stories are critically linked to a child’s future success. County libraries are the crucial link to books and stories for children, particularly those without means. These libraries provide educational opportunities not found at other institutions, and provide a safe haven for our children. Of course, public libraries are much more. Libraries are resources for everyone – rich and poor, young and old – for books, computer access, research materials and more. Many people may be able to find information on the Internet, but many more use the Internet as an initial tool, to be supplemented by a trip to a local library.” This is no less true 10 years later. I have often said that part of what kept me out of trouble as a youth was the time I spent at the Public Library. So, the contribution that the library makes to the quality of life in Pleasant Hill is immeasurable. That’s why I fought for library funding early in the last decade, why the City of Pleasant Hill today contributes funds to keep the library open for longer operating hours and provision of services targeted to our community.
When I worked on the 2002 effort to develop a plan for a Pleasant Hill library, I wrote:
“It goes without saying that early experiences with books and stories are critically linked to a child’s future success. County libraries are the crucial link to books and stories for children, particularly those without means. These libraries provide educational opportunities not found at other institutions, and provide a safe haven for our children. Of course, public libraries are much more. Libraries are resources for everyone – rich and poor, young and old – for books, computer access, research materials and more. Many people may be able to find information on the Internet, but many more use the Internet as an initial tool, to be supplemented by a trip to a local library.” This is no less true 10 years later. I have often said that part of what kept me out of trouble as a youth was the time I spent at the Public Library. So, the contribution that the library makes to the quality of life in Pleasant Hill is immeasurable. That’s why I fought for library funding early in the last decade, why the City of Pleasant Hill today contributes funds to keep the library open for longer operating hours and provision of services targeted to our community.
Matt Rinn: The PH library is an integral part of our community providing resources for the youth and
continuing education for our adult community.
Ken Carlson: No response.
Jeremy Cloward: In trying to understand what a society values one needs only to look at what that society spends its money on. If we are to look at the Pleasant Hill Library as an example, we might conclude that our society does not value knowledge. The library should be filled with books - overflowing with books - and should be open 24 hours a day. However, those of us familiar with the Pleasant Hill library know that while it has an adequate supply of manuscripts, texts of all types are not in abundance. In addition, in recent years, library hours have been reduced to such a degree that one needs to look online before they go to the library to ensure that it is open.
Ken Carlson: No response.
Jeremy Cloward: In trying to understand what a society values one needs only to look at what that society spends its money on. If we are to look at the Pleasant Hill Library as an example, we might conclude that our society does not value knowledge. The library should be filled with books - overflowing with books - and should be open 24 hours a day. However, those of us familiar with the Pleasant Hill library know that while it has an adequate supply of manuscripts, texts of all types are not in abundance. In addition, in recent years, library hours have been reduced to such a degree that one needs to look online before they go to the library to ensure that it is open.
2. Please describe your view of the City of Pleasant Hill’s relationship with the Pleasant Hill Library.
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Jessica Braverman: The City’s relationship with the library should be exceedingly positive, supportive and
encouraging. I’d like see some fundraisers and some functions at the library which are more publicized.
The City of Pleasant Hill should be proud of its library and those who work there and all it has to offer.
Jim Bonato: The City provides a financial contribution to the library from its Waste
Management/Recycling Fund. These funds are targeted to promote reuse and to increase recycling.
These funds have also been used by the library to keep its doors open for hours it would otherwise have
to close. Even though times are tough for both entities, the city understands what the library means to its
residents and took steps to prevent the library from having to reduce its hours even more.
Tim Flaherty: I know the City to be a strong supporter of the library. The City provides as much financial
support as it can and promotes the library in its annual Community Service Day; in the 50th Anniversary
One Book event; and in its “Outlook” newsletter.
Michael Flake: The relationship is limited to funding of the Green Zone, which ultimately offsets
operational costs for the library. Control of the library at the County level just seems to be too far
removed from the people. Administrators and decision makers at the County do not adequately represent
the interest of the residents that use the facility. The library should be locally controlled and operate under
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a joint effort between the cities (i.e. Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill) that benefit from its location
and operation. I do need to understand more about the library’s funding sources and how they are
defined. If a majority of the funding has historically come from the County’s general fund, then a trend of
funding should be identified, such that a dedicated funding source can be extracted from the County
general fund and granted to the cities for their operation and management of the library.
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David Durant: I believe that the City’s relationship with the Pleasant Hill Library has always been strong –
one where we have constantly sought partnership and cooperation. Though the library system has
historically been a County funding responsibility – and one which it attempted to shift more to cities with the increased budget challenges faced by the County over the past decade – we have consistently found
ways to keep our Pleasant Hill Library a strong community asset.
Ken Carlson: No response.
3. The City of Pleasant Hill currently funds library operating costs from Fund 23, Waste Management/Recycling, administered by Dept. 23, Community Relations. Should the City establish a specific library line item in the general fund to ensure library funding?
Jeremy Cloward: Yes
Jessica Braverman: Yes
Jim Bonato: Not at this time. The City is currently committed to bridging its gap between revenue and expenses as well as paying down its debt for the construction of City Hall and its “Side Fund” (i.e. formerly known as unfunded liability for CalPERS) debt. When the city begins to see a surplus, I could fully support a specific library line item.
Tim Flaherty: Yes, if there is sufficient money to do so. Use of Fund 23 is the only source at the present time.
Michael Flake: Yes, I think it is not clear that our funding is being used to support library operations in general, but is going toward a specific element (green zone) of the library that seems limited and only convenient for justifying the use of the Fund 23. On the surface, the Fund name implies that anyone reviewing the budget would not necessarily understand that this funding is going towards the library. Let’s just be up front about it and stop directing the use of specific funds that do not appear to match well with the intended expenditure. This is one of my platform items, Open Government, and this fund certainly does not lend itself to making it apparent that it is funding for the library.
David Durant: No. This is not a simply “yes/no” question, of course, in very difficult economic times. Yes, we should maintain our commitment to the library and maintaining its excellent programs and operating hours; and as the City’s finances improve, we should look for broader ways to assist. But, I do not support locking in “General Fund” spending on non-City services.
MattRinn: No.
Ken Carlson: No response.
4. As a City Council member, will you actively advocate for construction of a new library building?
Jeremy Cloward: Yes
Jessica Braverman: Yes. If a new building is needed absolutely.
Jim Bonato: Not at this time. My future answer would depend on the vision for a new library and its services, the operating costs of a Pleasant Hill Library, the site, the size, and the construction costs. Once this information is available, I would certainly give it due consideration.
TimFlaherty: Yes.
Michael Flake: No, the City is not currently in the position to support construction of a new building due to deficit spending and other priorities, such as infrastructure improvements defined in a planned capital improvements program (CIP). A new library could be studied and then a project could be generated to reside within a CIP that would be ranked and prioritized against other projects in the CIP.
David Durant: Yes. Again, this is not a simply “yes/no” question. I started advocating for our library at theendofthe1990s,andwasanearlyleaderinthelocalefforttohaveanewlibraryatthattime. After extensive study, and expending substantial sums on a public process, we learned that it was not then feasible and not then a top priority among the citizens of Pleasant Hill. I also was a leader in the effort to broadly fund libraries through the old Measure L in the early part of the last decade, to try to help the County be able to fully fund library services. So, I am committed to Pleasant Hill having the best library and best library service that it can have, albeit always within reason and our means as a City government and as a citizenry, and, over time, that means having a new library building.
MattRinn: Yes.
Ken Carlson: No response.
5. If yes, in what ways would you support a new library building for Pleasant Hill?
Jeremy Cloward: I would support the construction of a new library building from city funds that are already in existence and from Fund 23. I am also happy in simply developing further the existing building.
Jessica Braverman: Similar to the senior center and the teen center being rebuilt, if a new building is needed, as a council member I would explore this to see what was needed, what the costs were, what the time frame would be and I would explore all options for funding. We have to balance that need with other pressing financial needs, and make decisions based on what the residents of Pleasant Hill want. Similar to Walnut Creek and Lafayette, I would strive for the most modern type building – forward thinking and looking and if economically feasible, I would like to see a “green” building for our library with solar power and all of the most modern technology if at all possible.
Jim Bonato: A more centrally-located site would be optimal, though land acquisition costs might not be realistic or supported by taxpayers. An intimately sized facility with modern technology features to bring us access to an ever expanding world of knowledge would serve Pleasant Hill residents well.
Tim Flaherty: I would continue to do as I have: attend organizational meetings; promote the new library through the Civic Action Commission and personal contacts. I would campaign for any bond measure. I would offer financial support.
MichaelFlake: Noresponse.
David Durant: As I have in the past during my days on the Steering Committee, as well as political action
as I did with respect to Measure L.
Matt Rinn: Look at all options for funding sources and integrate the local business community. Ken Carlson: No response.
6. Would you support putting a bond measure on the ballot in 2014 or 2016 to fund a new building for
the library?
Jeremy Cloward: I would support placing a bond measure on the ballot in 2014 or 2016 to fund a new building for the library because the citizens of Pleasant Hill should decide for themselves how important the library and its funding is to them.
Jessica Braverman: No. With all the new taxes and bond measures on the ballots now extending out for more years, my fear would be yet another bond measure would not be received well; thus I’d like to research/ explore all other methods of funding a new building explored as another option. I would first look at an endowment and/or private funding as options as I know we can be creative to effectuate change in this regard. When the economy picks up again and it looks as if a bond measure would succeed and would be well received at a time people have money for it- then absolutely I would support it especially if there were no other viable option.
Jim Bonato: 2016 is possibly too soon, given the current climate of competing bond measures for the State, our County, and Special Districts. We want to expect success in a bond’s measure’s passing. Assessment of competing measures and a survey of taxpayers showing support is necessary before proceeding.
Tim Flaherty: Yes. If the legwork to obtain community support is complete by either date; and a conceptual design and location have been determined by either date.
Michael Flake: No, as I would need to understand other details before determining support. Details would include understanding of the budget sought, the scope of the building (i.e. how big, what improved services, and other amenities), the construction schedule and oversight, and how displaced users would obtain services in the interim. I’d like to see any need for a new building be combined with satisfying other needs, such as meeting space, recreation services, educational facilities, or even compatible commercial or retail services to offset operational costs. Ideally, as stated previously in response to question 4, a proposed project should be placed into a CIP and ranked and prioritized in conjunction with other infrastructure projects.
DavidDurant: Yes.
MattRinn: No.
Ken Carlson: No response.
7. For each statement, please indicate your views by placing an x on the continuum below:
A) Funding our public library is a good investment in our city’s future.
Strongly Agree: Jeremy Cloward, Jessica Braverman, Jim Bonato, Tim Flaherty, David Durant, Matt Rinn Agree: MichaelFlake
B) Our public library is an essential part of the city’s infrastructure.
Strongly Agree: Jeremy Cloward, Jessica Braverman, Jim Bonato, Tim Flaherty, Michael Flake, David Durant, Matt Rinn
Jeremy Cloward: I would support placing a bond measure on the ballot in 2014 or 2016 to fund a new building for the library because the citizens of Pleasant Hill should decide for themselves how important the library and its funding is to them.
Jessica Braverman: No. With all the new taxes and bond measures on the ballots now extending out for more years, my fear would be yet another bond measure would not be received well; thus I’d like to research/ explore all other methods of funding a new building explored as another option. I would first look at an endowment and/or private funding as options as I know we can be creative to effectuate change in this regard. When the economy picks up again and it looks as if a bond measure would succeed and would be well received at a time people have money for it- then absolutely I would support it especially if there were no other viable option.
Jim Bonato: 2016 is possibly too soon, given the current climate of competing bond measures for the State, our County, and Special Districts. We want to expect success in a bond’s measure’s passing. Assessment of competing measures and a survey of taxpayers showing support is necessary before proceeding.
Tim Flaherty: Yes. If the legwork to obtain community support is complete by either date; and a conceptual design and location have been determined by either date.
Michael Flake: No, as I would need to understand other details before determining support. Details would include understanding of the budget sought, the scope of the building (i.e. how big, what improved services, and other amenities), the construction schedule and oversight, and how displaced users would obtain services in the interim. I’d like to see any need for a new building be combined with satisfying other needs, such as meeting space, recreation services, educational facilities, or even compatible commercial or retail services to offset operational costs. Ideally, as stated previously in response to question 4, a proposed project should be placed into a CIP and ranked and prioritized in conjunction with other infrastructure projects.
DavidDurant: Yes.
MattRinn: No.
Ken Carlson: No response.
7. For each statement, please indicate your views by placing an x on the continuum below:
A) Funding our public library is a good investment in our city’s future.
Strongly Agree: Jeremy Cloward, Jessica Braverman, Jim Bonato, Tim Flaherty, David Durant, Matt Rinn Agree: MichaelFlake
B) Our public library is an essential part of the city’s infrastructure.
Strongly Agree: Jeremy Cloward, Jessica Braverman, Jim Bonato, Tim Flaherty, Michael Flake, David Durant, Matt Rinn
C) A new library building in PH should be on the City of Pleasant Hill’s list of top five priorities.
Strongly Agree: Jeremy Cloward
Agree: Jim Bonato, Tim Flaherty
Don’t Know/Not Sure: Jessica Braverman, David Durant
Disagree: Matt Rinn, Michael Flake. The library may not be “top 5” priority under a CIP. The proposed building project should be evaluated under a regimented system that compares multiple projects within a CIP. After an evaluation within a system that recognizes other needs, the library could potentially be designated a “top 5” priority.
D) The current 51-year old library building works well and does not need to be replaced.
Agree: JeremyCloward,MichaelFlake
Don’t Know/Not Sure: Jessica Braverman
Disagree: JimBonato,TimFlaherty,DavidDurant,MattRinn
E) Pleasant Hill residents benefit directly from a well-run, modern library building.
Strongly Agree: Jeremy Cloward, Jessica Braverman, Jim Bonato, Tim Flaherty, Michael Flake, David Durant, Matt Rinn
F) The Pleasant Hill business community benefits directly from a well-run, modern library building. Strongly Agree: Jim Bonato, Jessica Braverman
Agree: JeremyCloward,TimFlaherty,DavidDurant,MattRinn
Don’t Know/Not Sure: Michael Flake: I cannot speak for all businesses; however, I have used the library in connection with my work. It would depend on the scope of the business and the information available at the library.
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