Library tax benefits all

To the editor:

Some voters ask if proceeds from the proposed library tax would fund the Pike County Public Library’s (PCPL) proposed new Milford headquarters. Here are the facts.

Proceeds from the library tax will be used to pay for all of the library system’s facilities—the Dingmans and Lackawaxen branches, new branches in Lehman Township and the Palmyra/Blooming Grove area, and the new Milford headquarters. However, the real need for increased funding from the library tax is to pay for countywide library operations.

Voters should understand the choice they will make on November 3. It is not about one issue or one building or serving one area of the county. It is about the survival of the county’s public library system. It is a choice to preserve and improve our library system, which is used by thousands of people in all parts of Pike County.

Current funding—for which no increases are in sight—does not support current library services. We are operating on reserves. Without the library tax, we must cut services, cut branch hours and likely close branches beginning in 2010.

Get the facts at www.pcpl.org/everyonebenefits or call or visit a library branch to talk with a staff member and understand the situation firsthand.

Strong libraries help economy

To the editor:

Creating a strong county library system will have a positive impact on Pike’s social, educational and economic progress. Often, however, we focus on the social and educational benefits—the free programs and access to books, DVDs and CDs—and we forget how valuable our library system is to our economy.

With so many people unemployed, libraries are a primary source of free job search databases and educational resources that help us compete in the changing marketplace. Many are using the library’s free internet connection to distribute resumes. In addition, many entrepreneurs, both budding and seasoned, consider the library to be a vital resource when researching business opportunities and developing business plans.

A recent Pike County Chamber of Commerce survey says education and training are critical to the vitality of our local businesses climate. But Pennsylvania’s current budget crisis has held up state funding for Small Business Development Center resources and services, which makes the small business resources at our local library more essential than ever.

Even during prosperous times, demand for Pike’s library services was on the rise. The library system reports that its circulation more than doubled over the past decade, in line with Pike’s population surge. However, county funding for library services—which, in PA is the primary source of local library operating funds—hasn’t increased since 2000, and the commissioners have said that will not change.

Strong libraries are a symbol to our citizens, and to the businesses that we are trying to attract to our area, that our community values know-ledge. From a business perspective, it is wise to invest in institutions that bolster our local economy and ultimately help us all to realize our full potential.

Without a dedicated library tax, the Pike’s library system will be forced to immediately cut resources and services essential to the vitality of our local economy and the success of our small businesses.

Let’s not allow that to happen in our community. Vote “yes” on the November 3 Library ballot question.

The best

To the editor:

The commissioners of the Hurleyville Fire District proudly congratulate the members of the Hurleyville Fire Department and the Hurleyville Fire Department Ladies’ Auxiliary for their outstanding performances in the 81st Annual Sullivan County Volunteer Firefighters’ Association Parade and in the 77th Hortonville Firemen’s Parade.

The awards won by Hurleyville in the parades, including the Best Overall Blue Ribbon in the SCVFA parade and Best Overall Truck, Best Men Marching, Best Ladies’ Auxiliary in the Hortonville parade, are well-deserved acknowledgments of the hard work and dedication of all the members.

We extend special congratulations to Bill Carlson, Oldest Firefighter in the Line of March in the Hortonville parade.

Again, congratulations on a job well done.

Cell towers do have an impact on property values

To the editor:

Previously, I expressed concern over the Atco site of the South Canaan 194-foot cellular tower. The tower will be positioned adjacent to residential lots, including mine, while there exist 107 remaining acres of the parcel being leased to South Canaan by Dr. Walter Barbe that would also prove suitable. This acreage would provide for many acceptable sites while not infringing on the local property owners.

Township Ordinance 608.4 prohibits Mr. Dexter and board from authorizing such construction if there is “substantial or undue adverse effect on adjacent property… adjacent property values.” I advised the township there would be reduced property values of the adjacent properties. Their only response implies they do not concur, but there is evidence to the contrary.

The following is from the South Bend Tribune, September 14, 2008, regarding a cellular tower placed next to residential parcels. “Because of the tower’s proximity, their property values have declined by at least 25 percent, according to their properties’ March 2008 tax reassessment, they allege, and their homes have been rendered ‘almost unmarketable.’... ‘We call it the hell tower,’ Janowiak said. ‘These cell towers are not supposed to be in people’s backyards. It’s just not right.’”

During the hearing, a fire department representative cited advantages this tower would provide for 911 calls. A very worthy and beneficial cause; however, improved reception and coverage will still be accomplished with the tower repositioned. Additionally, as the Damascus zoning official who saw no problem with the ordinance discrepancies happens to be a 911 dispatcher, one might question the appropriateness of his involvement.

It seems only reasonable that the parties involved in this business venture, J. Dexter/board of supervisors, Dr. Barbe and South Canaan Cellular, establish a dialogue with their neighbors and fellow property owners, thereby resulting in an agreement acceptable to all.

Getting some fresh air

To the editor:

This summer, 21 New York City children found out once again just how special summer is in the Mid-Hudson West area. Fresh Air Fund hosts, volunteers and local supporters dedicated their time and efforts to help these inner-city youngsters experience simple summertime pleasures in your community.

None of this would be possible without Elizabeth Ruebman, your local Fresh Air Fund volunteer leader, who works throughout the year to make sure host families and children have the opportunity to enjoy memorable summertime experiences together. I invite you to join Elizabeth and the local Fresh Air Fund committee to help spread the word about the wonderful opportunity of hosting next summer.

The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer vacations to over 1.7 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877. For more information on how you can help, call Elizabeth Ruebman at 973/744-2666 or visit www.freshair.org (where you can also check out photos from 2009).

Jenny Morgenthau, Executive Director