Library override June 2009

[Unregistered]

To the supporters of the library: I get it. I believe our library is an important part of our community. I have struggled to get a spot for my kids at story hour. When I am lucky enough to land one, I have enjoyed the combined community spirit and love of reading that exists there for both kids and adults. I have taken advantage of the discounted passes to various outings--the zoo, the Children's Museum, the NE Aquarium. The staff at the library go above and beyond to create an orderly and respectful space for our town to enjoy.

I order from amazon.com, but I still visit bookstores and utilize our town library. I think the procurers of the impressive state grant, the generous donors, and the committee that has given so much of their time to plan and design a new library should be honored and commended for their efforts. I wish it was a different time. Five, ten, or even two years ago, this would have been a "no-brainer" for our town. How could we turn down money from the state and shrug at donations from our community? All for a tax increase that would rival the daily cost of a cup of coffee, which we would all never give up, even if plunged into a financial depression?

But in Nov of 08, I voted against the library referendum. It is not because I don't appreciate the importance of our library and its need for improvement. Like many families, mine has struggled during the economical downturn. There was a lost job, a bonus freeze, then a salary cut, and we were stuck making decisions we never thought we'd have to make--kindergarten tuition or the insane heating oil bill? Do we pour money into the old, failing car or dare to take on a new car payment that might equal half of our monthly mortgage payment? The daily cost of a cup of coffee for a brand new library did not make an impact--there was that, then there were the other rising costs that threatened to crush us, ones in which we had no vote whatsoever. It is a guarantee that our taxes will increase 2.5%, even as the value in our house goes down, and we will accept the large class size in our schools and the increased fees because what else can we do? We cannot afford an overrride. When we are focused on the most basic of town services---will we be safe if we lose police officers & firefighters? will our children succeed if they are in classes even larger than the ones they are in now? will we have to pay for our trash to be removed?---the library becomes less and less of a priority.

I believe lots of people feel this way. If this was a different time, the response would be overwhelming--how could we turn down free money from the state? We deserve a library to be proud of, a town centerpiece, something for all of us to enjoy. Unfortunately, the economy has dictated that this cannot be a priority. It is not just that daily cost of a cup of coffee that the library will cost us, it is all the other increased costs that equal more or less than a cup of coffee--the gas, the oil, the requisite 2.5% taxes, the electric bill, the health insurance premium hike. The new library fades as a priority when we focus our excitement on ordering out for pizza twice a month--$6.99 at First Sandwich!--and we are busy scanning the grocery store ads for the best sales, clipping coupons, and dealing with the sudden hot water heater repair that crops up out of nowhere, and the necessary dental work that is not covered by our sparse dental plan, and the baby that has the croup and sends us panicked to the ER in the middle of night, where we are not allowed to leave until we fork over the $100 copay.

Sadly, the new library becomes less and less of a priority. I do not offer my situation as an excuse, but an explanation, as to why the referendum failed in November. It is an explanation as to why it might fail in June. It is why I will vote no in June--for the second time--even as I drive past the Vote Yes signs and wish that I, too, were in the position to vote yes with confidence. A new library would be a well-deserved blessing for our town and our community, and I would have stood by it in the past. But things can change in a heartbeat--and have for many of us--and I know that it is with regret and sadness that we put the idea of a new, beautiful library in the rearview mirror.

[Unregistered]

You raise an interesting point. The same people have opposed overrides for years whether it was school overrides or general overrides. It doesn't matter how bad or good the times are. Their solution is always no. I would have more respect for their position if they honestly admitted to not wanting to spend the money instead of coming up with all kinds of far fetched arguments to try and derail an override. When I read the letters to the editor and see that the people who submitted them aren't registered to vote or don't even bother to vote, then the letter has no real value to me. I can respect an honest No position. I don't respect backhanded ways to create confusion about an override to defeat it.

[Unregistered]

You visit the Zoo, the NE Aquarium, the Children's Museum, you frequent bookstores and order from Amazon..and you use the library, appreciate the importance of the library in town, but still will not vote for a new one? It is with regret and sadness that you put the thought of a new library in the rearview mirror? One trip into Boston for your family to visit the Children's Museum, or one large pizza a month pays for the library. Sorry, I hope your post makes you feel better, but it seems to me that you want to enjoy the amenities of the town without kicking in. Why don't you call your state rep and ask him why he decided to foist a 25% increase in your state sales tax, without your support? Will you still sadly vote Democrat in the next statewide election? This tax hike will cost far more than a Library override, and the town will see no uptick in state aid. Why not invest in your community? If you are concerned about more kids in the classroom and the long-term education of your kids, why not invest a little bit, and yes, that's all it is, in the town and in your children? There seems to be a concerted effort in town to defeat any override, but take a look around the town. Town Hall, the Police Station, the Library all are in shambles because of decades of neglect and no investment in their long-term growth and maintenance. But people find the coin for fireworks, lottery tickets, Patriot's Place, North Face, Fios and summer rentals. Everybody felt the financial impact of the economic downturn, but let's not be shortsighted, as a community on the Library issue, especially those who use it and appreciate the importance of it. I'm not convinced this town is full of people that recognize the need for an improved facility after utilizing the services offered but offer no help when asked. Have you really examined your books to see how much you spend on media-purchases that could be borrowed from the library?

[Unregistered]

Thank you #1, you have put words to what many people are feeling . We wish we could do more, unfortunately, you cant get blood from a stone.

[Unregistered]

Thank you #1, you have put words to what many people are feeling . We wish we could do more, unfortunately, you cant get blood from a stone.

It isn't about getting blood from a stone. The "I don't want to pay for anything" group NEVER thinks it is the right time to pay for ANYTHING. They are never willing to part with even a small sum to improve the infastructure of our town. I agree with the posts that talk about these folks that just won't support anything. They want to enjoy services without investing in anything. The "no" crowd has decimated the infastructure of our town, and it is time to stop listening to them. There will never be a eight time for most of those people to invest in anything. That is why we lag so far behind surrounding towns. I for one, am not listening to them.

[Unregistered]

You visit the Zoo, the NE Aquarium, the Children's Museum, you frequent bookstores and order from Amazon..and you use the library, appreciate the importance of the library in town, but still will not vote for a new one? It is with regret and sadness that you put the thought of a new library in the rearview mirror? One trip into Boston for your family to visit the Children's Museum, or one large pizza a month pays for the library. Sorry, I hope your post makes you feel better, but it seems to me that you want to enjoy the amenities of the town without kicking in. Why don't you call your state rep and ask him why he decided to foist a 25% increase in your state sales tax, without your support? Will you still sadly vote Democrat in the next statewide election? This tax hike will cost far more than a Library override, and the town will see no uptick in state aid. Why not invest in your community? If you are concerned about more kids in the classroom and the long-term education of your kids, why not invest a little bit, and yes, that's all it is, in the town and in your children? There seems to be a concerted effort in town to defeat any override, but take a look around the town. Town Hall, the Police Station, the Library all are in shambles because of decades of neglect and no investment in their long-term growth and maintenance. But people find the coin for fireworks, lottery tickets, Patriot's Place, North Face, Fios and summer rentals. Everybody felt the financial impact of the economic downturn, but let's not be shortsighted, as a community on the Library issue, especially those who use it and appreciate the importance of it. I'm not convinced this town is full of people that recognize the need for an improved facility after utilizing the services offered but offer no help when asked. Have you really examined your books to see how much you spend on media-purchases that could be borrowed from the library?

Actually, my post didn't make me feel better, it made me a little depressed. Although I have utilized the library's passes to drive to Boston and take my kids to the Children's Museum, Aquarium, et al, they will eagerly tell you I haven't done so in a over a year and then will happily elaborate on their very boring Feb and April vacations. I was trying to explain that I value the existence of the library by saying I still use the library even though I visit bookstores and have ordered from amazon.com, addressing a common argument that we should not pour money into a new library when they will be extinct soon due to the internet, etc. My point was that I see the value in the library, and I have appreciated the role it has in our community. I did not mean to imply that I am running up big bills at amazon.com and Barnes & Noble, because I can't. Also, $6.99 for a large pizza, plus a salad I throw together, feeds my family of five, and the cost easily rivals the meals I prepare at home. And yes, in the end, we have to eat, so even if we don't continue our two pizzas a month, we are still forking over a similar amount to eat dinner at home.

I am not one of those people who refuses to put money into the infrastructure of our town. As I said in my post, in past years I would have voted yes. In the future, if and when my situation improves, I would vote yes. My argument was that I see the importance and the need for a library and do feel badly that I cannot vote for it. I have voted for overrides in the past, some of which passed and some of which didn't--some that I felt good about and others that, after the fact, I felt duped. This is not one of those overrides, as there is a very simple end product involved. As I said, I wish it were a different time financially for me. I would vote yes. I don't think I'm the only one in this situation. Maybe there is a core group who always whines about overrrides, but I am not one of them. I'm sorry if you think that people who cannot pay for amenities shouldn't use them. But I do pay for the present library because I pay taxes every year, like all residents.

[Unregistered]

The numbers quoted by the Library folks are the cost is equivalent to a weekly cup of coffee, not daily. $70/year starting in two years, after the state money kicks in. That is not what our "NO" poster is alleging. Two years from now, there will be no kindergarten tuition, bonuses will have been unfrozen, and COLA increases re-instated. You will be ready to vote YES, but the library will be closed, so think of the fuel costs to drive to Medfield, if they allow you in. Obama has promised the economy will return, why should we doubt him. Yes, as our society so painfully displays to us each and every day, public amenities are available to everybody in the public sector. America has become very used to holding their hands out and having the government pck up the tab..at least this override is for a defined purpose with a noble cause, not as a butterfly sanctuary and dog walking site for the North Walpole elite!

[Unregistered]

Actually, my post didn't make me feel better, it made me a little depressed. Although I have utilized the library's passes to drive to Boston and take my kids to the Children's Museum, Aquarium, et al, they will eagerly tell you I haven't done so in a over a year and then will happily elaborate on their very boring Feb and April vacations. I was trying to explain that I value the existence of the library by saying I still use the library even though I visit bookstores and have ordered from amazon.com, addressing a common argument that we should not pour money into a new library when they will be extinct soon due to the internet, etc. My point was that I see the value in the library, and I have appreciated the role it has in our community. I did not mean to imply that I am running up big bills at amazon.com and Barnes & Noble, because I can't. Also, $6.99 for a large pizza, plus a salad I throw together, feeds my family of five, and the cost easily rivals the meals I prepare at home. And yes, in the end, we have to eat, so even if we don't continue our two pizzas a month, we are still forking over a similar amount to eat dinner at home.

I am not one of those people who refuses to put money into the infrastructure of our town. As I said in my post, in past years I would have voted yes. In the future, if and when my situation improves, I would vote yes. My argument was that I see the importance and the need for a library and do feel badly that I cannot vote for it. I have voted for overrides in the past, some of which passed and some of which didn't--some that I felt good about and others that, after the fact, I felt duped. This is not one of those overrides, as there is a very simple end product involved. As I said, I wish it were a different time financially for me. I would vote yes. I don't think I'm the only one in this situation. Maybe there is a core group who always whines about overrrides, but I am not one of them. I'm sorry if you think that people who cannot pay for amenities shouldn't use them. But I do pay for the present library because I pay taxes every year, like all residents.

The override will not go into effect immediately, so your taxes will not go up for some time. Theres your answer. It will not cost you anything until "times are better". Now you can vote YES! Just think of the jobs you will be creating!

[Unregistered]

Actually, my post didn't make me feel better, it made me a little depressed. Although I have utilized the library's passes to drive to Boston and take my kids to the Children's Museum, Aquarium, et al, they will eagerly tell you I haven't done so in a over a year and then will happily elaborate on their very boring Feb and April vacations. I was trying to explain that I value the existence of the library by saying I still use the library even though I visit bookstores and have ordered from amazon.com, addressing a common argument that we should not pour money into a new library when they will be extinct soon due to the internet, etc. My point was that I see the value in the library, and I have appreciated the role it has in our community. I did not mean to imply that I am running up big bills at amazon.com and Barnes & Noble, because I can't. Also, $6.99 for a large pizza, plus a salad I throw together, feeds my family of five, and the cost easily rivals the meals I prepare at home. And yes, in the end, we have to eat, so even if we don't continue our two pizzas a month, we are still forking over a similar amount to eat dinner at home.

I am not one of those people who refuses to put money into the infrastructure of our town. As I said in my post, in past years I would have voted yes. In the future, if and when my situation improves, I would vote yes. My argument was that I see the importance and the need for a library and do feel badly that I cannot vote for it. I have voted for overrides in the past, some of which passed and some of which didn't--some that I felt good about and others that, after the fact, I felt duped. This is not one of those overrides, as there is a very simple end product involved. As I said, I wish it were a different time financially for me. I would vote yes. I don't think I'm the only one in this situation. Maybe there is a core group who always whines about overrrides, but I am not one of them. I'm sorry if you think that people who cannot pay for amenities shouldn't use them. But I do pay for the present library because I pay taxes every year, like all residents.

I appreciate the fact that many families find themselves in a similar situation as yours. Squeezed by the economy and the costs of raising a family, doubtful of what the future holds, and making the best use of the public services still available.

But when I read your post, I have to wonder if we can afford NOT to replace the library. The building is deteriorating, does not meet accessibility standards for those with disabilities, and will soon lose its accreditation. And the roof leaks, threatening to damage the books, movies, and historical treasures that are housed in this obsolete structure. Kudos to the library staff for doing so much with so little, but the fact is that we should have done this 30 years ago.

The library will continue to deteriorate and will eventually have to be closed for good. When we are finally forced to pull the plug on the old library, probably within the next five to ten years, families just like yours will be deprived of the many benefits you describe. No more museum passes, no more movies or books or CDs to borrow, nowhere for your family to go for an afternoon of free entertainment, nowhere for our students to research the town's rich history.

This election will most likely be our last chance to take advantage of the state grant, and this down economy is the perfect time to take on this project. Costs are lower because there is less demand for construction crews and material, leading to more competitive bids for the work. Local workers will benefit from the jobs created, and local businesses will benefit from increased activity downtown. It is the Perfect Storm.

Every year we wait, the costs rise. Can you imagine how much more money it will cost to build a new library a decade from now? We were lucky to get this grant. Do you really think the state will set aside grant money for us in the future if we squander this golden opportunity? I don't.

Please join me in voting YES to build a new library. It's now or never.

[Unregistered]

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/05/28/walpole_library_plan_to_get_another_shot/

In today's Globe South, Susan Maguire is quoted as saying Walpole has other needs such as the need to "construct a senior center" explaining her opposition to the library. Years ago, Maguire said the Friends of the COA would raise all the funds themselves. What happened to that? We have no need to construct a senior center. That is her want which would benefit only a small group of people not the entire town. Don't forget she was actively promoting CPV and denigrating all those who worked against it. Need, indeed!

[Unregistered]

There is a statement in this story from Susan Maguire about how the people have already voted and you don't get another bite at the cookie (for the library). For the record, Ms. Maguire ran for selectman in 1987 and lost by about 500 votes. She bit the cookie when she ran again for selectman in 2001 and the voters had already voted NO.


http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2009/05/28/walpole_library_plan_to_get_another_shot/

[Unregistered]

There is a statement in this story from Susan Maguire about how the people have already voted and you don't get another bite at the cookie (for the library). For the record, Ms. Maguire ran for selectman in 1987 and lost by about 500 votes. She bit the cookie when she ran again for selectman in 2001 and the voters had already voted NO.


http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2009/05/28/walpole_library_plan_to_get_another_shot/

Ms. Maguire's statements are misleading, unfortunate, and obviously disingenuous. The library proposal HAS been modified in response to voter feedback, and is now being re-presented in it's updated form.

What a sad commentary on Ms. Maguire. I do not respect her views on most issues, and I feel she is doing a great deal of damage to our community, both spiritually and financially. It is time for her to let go.

[Unregistered]

Response to Poster 12 -

AMEN

[Unregistered]

As for the library, I will be delivering 4 votes pro from this household. Sue Maguire can only deliver one.

[Unregistered]

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/05/28/walpole_library_plan_to_get_another_shot/

In today's Globe South, Susan Maguire is quoted as saying Walpole has other needs such as the need to "construct a senior center" explaining her opposition to the library. Years ago, Maguire said the Friends of the COA would raise all the funds themselves. What happened to that? We have no need to construct a senior center. That is her want which would benefit only a small group of people not the entire town. Don't forget she was actively promoting CPV and denigrating all those who worked against it. Need, indeed!

Let's not forget that Sue Maguire wants the Library's site to build her senior center, hence her opposition. Why is she also talking about the need for a new police and fire facility? That was voted down too! This whole town is going to crumble around us if we keep being lead by the "so cheap they squeak" crowd. I forgot about the power plant "work" she did. I am horrified by what is being done to MY town!

[Unregistered]

form.

What a sad commentary on Ms. Maguire. I do not respect her views on most issues, and I feel she is doing a great deal of damage to our community, both spiritually and financially. It is time for her to let go.[/QUOTE]

Amen to that! She has also alienated many of the seniors.

[Unregistered]

There is a statement in this story from Susan Maguire about how the people have already voted and you don't get another bite at the cookie (for the library). For the record, Ms. Maguire ran for selectman in 1987 and lost by about 500 votes. She bit the cookie when she ran again for selectman in 2001 and the voters had already voted NO.


http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2009/05/28/walpole_library_plan_to_get_another_shot/

I cannot believe Sue Maguire taking an issue with the Library over-ride coming back for a second time, considering her own political "recycling".

Sue's Selectman's Race loss: 499 votes out of 2735 = lost by 18%

Library override loss: 561 votes out of 13655 = lost by 4%

4% was a close close vote. Not so for her own 18% loss. With the increased fundraising, reduced costs, and equivilqnt cost to remodel,.... the new library is a no-brainer.

[Unregistered]

The quotes in the Globe about the police station and the senior center are a red herring.

Voters already rejected an override for the police station and there is no current plan available for public discussion purposes much less agreement on a location.

Where is the money for the senior center? The selectmen have promised a piece of public property to a group without any evidence of funding for the project. Many senior centers in surrounding towns have cost $10 to 12 million dollars. The group does not plan to apply for state grants.

We cannot vote on future projects that may or may not materialize. I can see those who say No to the library then saying No to the police station and No to school overrides. It's self fulfilling prophecy.

When I read that Norwood voted 4 to 1 in favor of a $70 million override for a high school in a tough economy, I wonder how anyone can justify opposing against a $6 million override and blowing off $5 million in grants and donations.

What is before us is the library. Cast your vote based on the information before you now.

[Unregistered]

Let's not forget that Sue Maguire wants the Library's site to build her senior center, hence her opposition. Why is she also talking about the need for a new police and fire facility? That was voted down too! This whole town is going to crumble around us if we keep being lead by the "so cheap they squeak" crowd. I forgot about the power plant "work" she did. I am horrified by what is being done to MY town!

This reminds me of something I've wondered about since the issue first came up. If I remember correctly, a few years ago there was a proposal for a massive redesign of the downtown area to make a community center of sorts. A lot of people in town don't use the library--I know I haven't been down there in about 8 years or so. If a new building is being built I'd like to see it be a more multipurpose facility. I know they've added a handful of meeting/study rooms, but is there a reason that a new senior center can't be incorporated as well? How much space would this need? Perhaps the Rec Dept could have a presence. A coffee-house? Anything that's going to bring in folks who aren't currently using the library would be beneficial. If I'm going to vote to invest all this money to build a new library I think we should really put some thought into how we can maximize the benefits offered to the residents as well as investigate potential revenue sources that could be incorporated into it. I'm glad the design includes some nice modern features, but it's still just a library with some meeting space.

[Unregistered]

Everyone should read the article Tom has posted on the front page of Walpole News about the library in which Paul Cesary lays out the financial big picture.

If the town spends even $200,000 to improve the existing library, we will be forced by law to bring the building into compliance with current building standards. But doing so, if it is even possible on the present site, will cost more than the amount we would spend to build a brand new, state-of-the-art library!

I wonder if we could even patch the leaky roof for less than the $200K trigger. A citizen lawsuit could force our hands, too - fix it or close it.

We cannot afford NOT to pass this override. It is our least expensive option, even less expensive than doing nothing!

http://www.walpolenews.com/

[Unregistered]

Rather than a referendum on one woman's dubious tacticts to sabatoge the library override, perhaps this thread should point out that many seniors do use the library as a source for intellectual stimulation, an inexpensive way to keep up on current events, and yes as a de facto community center to get out of the house and meet with neighbors and friends. An attentive librarian can point out a new book by a favorite author, or on a topic you may find relevant. The central location and the ease of access are both appealing to seniors and readers of all ages. Makes sense to me!

[Unregistered]

I am upset that there is not a comprehensive plan for downtown. I feel like there is no vision for downtown. I believe during one of the selectmans' meet and greets the candidates talked about wanting to "revitilize downtown". I just about threw up because it seems I hear that every couple of years.
I am worried about the economy, I am worried about money, I am worried about the schools.
Despite all of these thoughts and feelings I will vote for the library override.
I have been living here for 10 plus years and will be dead and buried before downtown is "revitilized".
So I feel that we should start somewhere and do something good for the town. Who knows maybe the new library will be the kick in the butt this town needs to attract businesses to downtown. Maybe not, but to me I can find the 70.00 a year (actually less since my house is no where worth 400K) to help build something the town can proud of, a rose amongst thorns so to speak........

[Unregistered]

I donated to the Friends of the COA for the new senior center a few years ago. However I have asked them how much they have raised and they will not tell me. At least with the library override I know exactly how much it is going to cost and where the money would all go. There is transparency and accountability with the proposed new library.

I asked one of the current selectmen and they too have no idea how much has been raised for the new senior center. Let's hope whoever gets elected selectmen can get some answers and financials out of the Friends of the COA. Go get them Nancy!!!!

[Unregistered]

This reminds me of something I've wondered about since the issue first came up. If I remember correctly, a few years ago there was a proposal for a massive redesign of the downtown area to make a community center of sorts. A lot of people in town don't use the library--I know I haven't been down there in about 8 years or so. If a new building is being built I'd like to see it be a more multipurpose facility. I know they've added a handful of meeting/study rooms, but is there a reason that a new senior center can't be incorporated as well? How much space would this need? Perhaps the Rec Dept could have a presence. A coffee-house? Anything that's going to bring in folks who aren't currently using the library would be beneficial. If I'm going to vote to invest all this money to build a new library I think we should really put some thought into how we can maximize the benefits offered to the residents as well as investigate potential revenue sources that could be incorporated into it. I'm glad the design includes some nice modern features, but it's still just a library with some meeting space.

You will not get a grant for a multi-use building, and it will cost the tax payer far more than what is before us. You are creating a diversion from the real issue at hand, a library! There is no proposal for a multi-use facility, no funding, no plans, no support, NOTHING!. Stop trying to create an "alternate issue" that does not exist. You only hope to get something voted down. What you are talking about is smoke and mirrors. I am certain you will have some reason not to vote for such a "multi-use" building as well, namely among them the price tag that would go along with such a project. It would be well up in the double digit milliopn $$ range.

The library is the best deal going. It is a fabulous price for an enormous investment in the community. Sorry you don't use the library, but that is your choice. I don't use the schools and I happily pay for them. I have not used police or fire, but I pay for them. And I wouldn't use a senior center, but I would pay for it. Pony up, and stop talking about things that don't exist. You are being disingenuous!

[Unregistered]

I am upset that there is not a comprehensive plan for downtown. I feel like there is no vision for downtown. I believe during one of the selectmans' meet and greets the candidates talked about wanting to "revitilize downtown". I just about threw up because it seems I hear that every couple of years.
I am worried about the economy, I am worried about money, I am worried about the schools.
Despite all of these thoughts and feelings I will vote for the library override.
I have been living here for 10 plus years and will be dead and buried before downtown is "revitilized".
So I feel that we should start somewhere and do something good for the town. Who knows maybe the new library will be the kick in the butt this town needs to attract businesses to downtown. Maybe not, but to me I can find the 70.00 a year (actually less since my house is no where worth 400K) to help build something the town can proud of, a rose amongst thorns so to speak........

Kudos to you!!! My $200,000 house means that the library will cost me $35 during the first year! By the end, it will be down to $18 / year... and then $0 every year after that. So if I am figuring correctly, the library will cost me about $500 over 20 years! ... and it will live on for generations to come! Count me in for building the future! Count me in for being a part of the NEXT GREAT GENERATION.

I do not want to be a part of the "to heck with everybody, I am all about myself" set. Many who came before us, developed the infastructure we have today. I will do the same for those that come after me!

[Unregistered]

I love those generic NO signs. They must dust them off whenever there is any type of over ride, for any reason. They remind me of a saying of Groucho Marx: Whatever it is, I against it.
This town needs a ‘yes’ crowd. We need to find a way to make this town something we can be proud of.
It isn’t any wonder that our town’s value has plummeted.
Can you just imagine if you were considering moving here last year and found out about thepower plant?
I know times are tough, they are for everyone, but that is no excuse not to invest in this town's future.
I am gladly voting for the library, and I so look forward to seeing something beautiful in our downtown.
I only wish we could get a grant for the public safety building.

[Unregistered]

I love those generic NO signs. They must dust them off whenever there is any type of over ride, for any reason. They remind me of a saying of Groucho Marx: Whatever it is, I against it.
This town needs a ‘yes’ crowd. We need to find a way to make this town something we can be proud of.
It isn’t any wonder that our town’s value has plummeted.
Can you just imagine if you were considering moving here last year and found out about thepower plant?
I know times are tough, they are for everyone, but that is no excuse not to invest in this town's future.
I am gladly voting for the library, and I so look forward to seeing something beautiful in our downtown.
I only wish we could get a grant for the public safety building.

The same people who are against the library were probably against the public safety building last time around. And I am willing to bet they sighted "more pressing needs such as a library", while they were undermining the Public Safety proposal!

[Unregistered]

What does somebaody's fantasy senior center have to do with a library? It's very disingenuous to throw that in the discussion because the small amount of money raised by the COA so far would build the smallest senior senter in the USA. Come on. Some of the COA were in high school when the fund raising started! People should come clean on the amount of money raised so that it can be a real discussion for another day. Seniors deserve better than this red herring.

[Unregistered]

The same people who are against the library were probably against the public safety building last time around. And I am willing to bet they sighted "more pressing needs such as a library", while they were undermining the Public Safety proposal!

Or perhaps know that when money is tight --we wait.

[Unregistered]

Or perhaps know that when money is tight --we wait.

The humor is obviously lost on you.... the point is, there is NEVER a good time for anything for that group. We wait, discuss, cast stones, re-visit, make up excuses.... and our infastructure continues to crumble. Face it, the "no" crowd is always "no" to everything. There is always a reason to "wait"! And our town continues to fall further behind, and our property values continue to plumet. No thanks! I vote to build a library and invest in my town. You on the other hand will wait till the cows come home to do anything. I am certain you are happy to live off of the infastructure left from generations before... I am going to do my part for those who come next.

[Unregistered]

Or perhaps know that when money is tight --we wait.

The override will not go into effect for 2 or 3 years.... get the facts.

[Unregistered]

From what I can see, nowhere is money as tight as it is in Walpole. How can that be?

No matter when an override comes up for discussion it seems that we can't afford it no matter how small or large the override is. We have heard it all....I'll have to move, ration my food, skip my meds, sell my car, give up my pets, and on and on.
Overrides have passed, there has been no mass exodus and the same people still live here but can't afford it.

Let's wait until the economy is better, let's wait until we have a plan (a four letter word in Walpole), let's wait for a police station, let's wait for a fire station. let's wait for a senior center. Let's wait for Big Foot.

Instead, let all our buildings leak like a sieve and become a patchwork of unsightly additions. Let the look of the town become shabby. Let subterfuge continue to undo any attempt to invest in our town.

[Unregistered]

You will not get a grant for a multi-use building, and it will cost the tax payer far more than what is before us. You are creating a diversion from the real issue at hand, a library! There is no proposal for a multi-use facility, no funding, no plans, no support, NOTHING!. Stop trying to create an "alternate issue" that does not exist. You only hope to get something voted down. What you are talking about is smoke and mirrors. I am certain you will have some reason not to vote for such a "multi-use" building as well, namely among them the price tag that would go along with such a project. It would be well up in the double digit milliopn $$ range.

The library is the best deal going. It is a fabulous price for an enormous investment in the community. Sorry you don't use the library, but that is your choice. I don't use the schools and I happily pay for them. I have not used police or fire, but I pay for them. And I wouldn't use a senior center, but I would pay for it. Pony up, and stop talking about things that don't exist. You are being disingenuous!

Whoa there! Don't worry, I'm not here to hurt you. I think you're misinterpreting what I'm saying so I'll try to be a bit clearer

1) I support building a new library over keeping the existing one. It makes a lot of sense financially.

2) I'm not complaining about how I'll have to pay for something that I don't feel that I'll use directly. I'm commenting on how poorly this initiative has been marketed to some of the large groups who oppose it.

3) I haven't seen the requirements for the grant money from the state. Would you be able to post a copy? I'm aware that grant money can only be used for the library, but if it is permitting the inclusion of meeting spaces in the plan then there shouldn't be a problem with what I'm proposing.

4) I'm not proposing doubling the size or doing anything to significantly increase the cost. What I'm talking about is working with different groups in town to more effectively leverage what the space that we're putting in there is. We have plenty of rooms around town that qualify as "meeting space". Meeting space has little value because of this. If we identified and market the specific uses for the space we would have greater support from many of the current detractors. Perhaps we'd have access to their private donations as well.

5) So now you see that whether you call it a "multi-use facility" or a "library" is largely irrelevant--it's all the same idea. The issue at hand isn't "We need a new library". The issue is "Why are there people in town who don't see the value in the library". Let's work to create value for these folks, rather than resort to vicious politics.

6) As a side note: If you live in town--you use the police and fire departments.

I can see that this issue is very important to you, but your aggressive response to my post isn't helping your cause. Try including more arguments and fewer insults. Positive passion is great, but negative passion is entirely destructive. I know this is the internet, but anonymity does not preclude civility. You know almost nothing about me, yet you attack my character, presuming to know my thoughts and my intentions. Why?

[Unregistered]

From Never a good time for you- "I am certain you are happy to live off of the infastructure left from generations before... I am going to do my part for those who come next."

I'm sure the next generation will thank you for doing your part in leaving them a Federal, state and local debt they will NEVER EVER be able to pay back for you! But hey- who cares. You won't be around. The good news is they will have that library to go to because they won't be able to afford to go anywhere else.

[Unregistered]

...
3) I haven't seen the requirements for the grant money from the state. Would you be able to post a copy? I'm aware that grant money can only be used for the library, but if it is permitting the inclusion of meeting spaces in the plan then there shouldn't be a problem with what I'm proposing.

4) I'm not proposing doubling the size or doing anything to significantly increase the cost. What I'm talking about is working with different groups in town to more effectively leverage what the space that we're putting in there is. We have plenty of rooms around town that qualify as "meeting space". Meeting space has little value because of this. If we identified and market the specific uses for the space we would have greater support from many of the current detractors. Perhaps we'd have access to their private donations as well.

5) So now you see that whether you call it a "multi-use facility" or a "library" is largely irrelevant--it's all the same idea. The issue at hand isn't "We need a new library". The issue is "Why are there people in town who don't see the value in the library". Let's work to create value for these folks, rather than resort to vicious politics.

Good post, and you raise some great questions. I think what the other poster was reacting to, though, is the fact that we do not have an alternate proposal.

This plan has been under development for over a decade. If you were to halt the project at this stage to try to incorporate additional features, it would drive the cost upward, making the project less palatable to those concerned about the cost. Any delays at this point will run the clock out on the state grant, so by the time your alternate proposal could come before the voters some 2 or 3 years from now, we would have to pay for the entire project ourselves. Those people who are now, in the 11th hour trying to suggest that we should incorporate these other design elements into the plan should have gotten involved in the process many years ago.

A library is a multi-use facility. It is an educational resource, a meeting place, a community center, and an anchor for the revitalized downtown that we all seem to want.

We have this proposal before the voters, and we do not have any other proposal. I agree with the others who say you are (perhaps unintentionally) creating a distraction from the real issue, which is whether we should build this now for 55 cents on the dollar, or whether we should walk away from the state grant and allow our library to collapse where it stands. That is the choice that faces us; no other.

Please vote YES for the future of Walpole.

[Unregistered]

Whoa there! Don't worry, I'm not here to hurt you. I think you're misinterpreting what I'm saying so I'll try to be a bit clearer

1) I support building a new library over keeping the existing one. It makes a lot of sense financially.

2) I'm not complaining about how I'll have to pay for something that I don't feel that I'll use directly. I'm commenting on how poorly this initiative has been marketed to some of the large groups who oppose it.

3) I haven't seen the requirements for the grant money from the state. Would you be able to post a copy? I'm aware that grant money can only be used for the library, but if it is permitting the inclusion of meeting spaces in the plan then there shouldn't be a problem with what I'm proposing.

4) I'm not proposing doubling the size or doing anything to significantly increase the cost. What I'm talking about is working with different groups in town to more effectively leverage what the space that we're putting in there is. We have plenty of rooms around town that qualify as "meeting space". Meeting space has little value because of this. If we identified and market the specific uses for the space we would have greater support from many of the current detractors. Perhaps we'd have access to their private donations as well.

5) So now you see that whether you call it a "multi-use facility" or a "library" is largely irrelevant--it's all the same idea. The issue at hand isn't "We need a new library". The issue is "Why are there people in town who don't see the value in the library". Let's work to create value for these folks, rather than resort to vicious politics.

6) As a side note: If you live in town--you use the police and fire departments.

I can see that this issue is very important to you, but your aggressive response to my post isn't helping your cause. Try including more arguments and fewer insults. Positive passion is great, but negative passion is entirely destructive. I know this is the internet, but anonymity does not preclude civility. You know almost nothing about me, yet you attack my character, presuming to know my thoughts and my intentions. Why?

Terrific post, thoughtful, articulate. If you worked for me, I would promote you. If you were my student, I woudl give you an A. Lots of these posts are foolish and immature, your post clearly defines your position and rational. Dare say, you may even be a public school graduate?

[Unregistered]

This has been a problem in this town for the twenty five years that I have been here.
Even in 'good' economic times there exist the same mentality.
Just look around downtown, it is downright shabby.
I would love to see a downtown revitalizion, and a new public safety building.
Our selectmen are terrified of even pursusing anything because of the NO crowd.
We need to come up a good plan and I think a new library is a great starting point.
Let's invest in our town the ROI will be worth it.

[Unregistered]

Good post, and you raise some great questions. I think what the other poster was reacting to, though, is the fact that we do not have an alternate proposal.

This plan has been under development for over a decade. If you were to halt the project at this stage to try to incorporate additional features, it would drive the cost upward, making the project less palatable to those concerned about the cost. Any delays at this point will run the clock out on the state grant, so by the time your alternate proposal could come before the voters some 2 or 3 years from now, we would have to pay for the entire project ourselves. Those people who are now, in the 11th hour trying to suggest that we should incorporate these other design elements into the plan should have gotten involved in the process many years ago.

A library is a multi-use facility. It is an educational resource, a meeting place, a community center, and an anchor for the revitalized downtown that we all seem to want.

We have this proposal before the voters, and we do not have any other proposal. I agree with the others who say you are (perhaps unintentionally) creating a distraction from the real issue, which is whether we should build this now for 55 cents on the dollar, or whether we should walk away from the state grant and allow our library to collapse where it stands. That is the choice that faces us; no other.

Please vote YES for the future of Walpole.

1) By and large I can agree with that. I agree that it's too late now to change the proposal for allocation of funds and I do plan on voting Yes. With that being said, I'm not going to ignore the plan's faults. My original post is not a distraction from the issue. It's an explanation of why someone would not want to support the issue and an outline of what might have been done to win their support.

2) There may not be time left before the vote, but there's still plenty of time left to reach out to folks who don't use the library and work with them to help them get some value out of it. We don't need to change the plan and we don't need to spend additional money. We just need to find out what might benefit these people and find a way to leverage our existing resources to create some value for them.

3) The fact that these people are just now proposing changes isn't a reflection on them for not getting involved earlier, it's a reflection on the committee for not doing a thorough job winning support throughout the community. If you're asking folks for money the onus is on you to show them why they should spend it. Perhaps they felt that they had enough support and that this wasn't necessary. This clearly wasn't the case for the first election. I'm wondering if it was explored during the revisions?

4) Thanks for your response! All these posts that just scream about how the opponents to the library are cheap and hate the community is only destructive for everyone.

[Unregistered]

Thanks for all the great postings from both sides of the library issue, I was on the fence about how to vote and am now convinced that voting yes is the best for Walpole. Thank you for sharing your info, I wish there were a way to get more people to hear/read the arguments in favor of a new library I believe it would really help the cause.

[Unregistered]

Terrific post, thoughtful, articulate. If you worked for me, I would promote you. If you were my student, I woudl give you an A. Lots of these posts are foolish and immature, your post clearly defines your position and rational. Dare say, you may even be a public school graduate?

What does a "public school graduate" have to do with anything?? ...and if you are such a proponent of public access to education and knowledge, I am certain you will be voting yes!

[Unregistered]

I think that the library supporters have worked very hard to reach out to the community. There is a website, Candidate's Night on TV, letters to the editor, emails, Walpole Day, distribution of brochures and so much more. They have been presented the issues in a factual way. All the letters this week in the Times were very, very good and they represented very different original viewpoints.

I can't say that the letters from those who don't support the library were very factual. In fact, the editor corrected one.

It is a two way street. Anyone who has questions has every opportunity to approach the committee and there is a section on the website for emails.

I don.t think that the comment about not reaching out to detractors is fair.

[Unregistered]

I think that the library supporters have worked very hard to reach out to the community. There is a website, Candidate's Night on TV, letters to the editor, emails, Walpole Day, distribution of brochures and so much more. They have been presented the issues in a factual way. All the letters this week in the Times were very, very good and they represented very different original viewpoints.

I can't say that the letters from those who don't support the library were very factual. In fact, the editor corrected one.

It is a two way street. Anyone who has questions has every opportunity to approach the committee and there is a section on the website for emails.

I don.t think that the comment about not reaching out to detractors is fair.

The library supporters have done a great job of getting the information out to the public. A lot of work has gone into the planning and marketing of this initiative, but simply distributing information is not enough. If they want to win the support of these detractors they need to gather feedback and make adjustments. If someone doesn't think the new library is a good idea, it's highly unlikely that they'll ask for more information. There's no motivation for them to try and challenge their opinions. There's no doubt that they've worked hard to sell the library, but perhaps there are some strategies that they didn't try.

[Unregistered]

From what I can see, nowhere is money as tight as it is in Walpole. How can that be?

No matter when an override comes up for discussion it seems that we can't afford it no matter how small or large the override is. We have heard it all....I'll have to move, ration my food, skip my meds, sell my car, give up my pets, and on and on.
Overrides have passed, there has been no mass exodus and the same people still live here but can't afford it.

Let's wait until the economy is better, let's wait until we have a plan (a four letter word in Walpole), let's wait for a police station, let's wait for a fire station. let's wait for a senior center. Let's wait for Big Foot.

Instead, let all our buildings leak like a sieve and become a patchwork of unsightly additions. Let the look of the town become shabby. Let subterfuge continue to undo any attempt to invest in our town.

You are hysterically funny, even if your response(s) are way over the top. Certainly this override is peanuts compared to past overrides, where you note that people claimed they would ration their food and skip their meds. Your aggressive tactics and clear anger towards those who would dare vote "no" to anything do not help your cause.

[Unregistered]

Whoa there! Don't worry, I'm not here to hurt you. I think you're misinterpreting what I'm saying so I'll try to be a bit clearer

1) I support building a new library over keeping the existing one. It makes a lot of sense financially.

2) I'm not complaining about how I'll have to pay for something that I don't feel that I'll use directly. I'm commenting on how poorly this initiative has been marketed to some of the large groups who oppose it.

3) I haven't seen the requirements for the grant money from the state. Would you be able to post a copy? I'm aware that grant money can only be used for the library, but if it is permitting the inclusion of meeting spaces in the plan then there shouldn't be a problem with what I'm proposing.

4) I'm not proposing doubling the size or doing anything to significantly increase the cost. What I'm talking about is working with different groups in town to more effectively leverage what the space that we're putting in there is. We have plenty of rooms around town that qualify as "meeting space". Meeting space has little value because of this. If we identified and market the specific uses for the space we would have greater support from many of the current detractors. Perhaps we'd have access to their private donations as well.

5) So now you see that whether you call it a "multi-use facility" or a "library" is largely irrelevant--it's all the same idea. The issue at hand isn't "We need a new library". The issue is "Why are there people in town who don't see the value in the library". Let's work to create value for these folks, rather than resort to vicious politics.

6) As a side note: If you live in town--you use the police and fire departments.

I can see that this issue is very important to you, but your aggressive response to my post isn't helping your cause. Try including more arguments and fewer insults. Positive passion is great, but negative passion is entirely destructive. I know this is the internet, but anonymity does not preclude civility. You know almost nothing about me, yet you attack my character, presuming to know my thoughts and my intentions. Why?

Your post is awesome. Thanks for explaining what others are feeling. Also, thank you for explaining to posters who come across as "negatively passionate" that they are throwing nuclear bombs at folks who just have a valid, simple question or concern.

[Unregistered]

I will admit to waffling on this subject, but my mind is now made up.

The posts about Walpole not supporting new infrastructure are well taken. I think that our existing library is definitely in need of razing.

I am going to support a new public library for the Town of Walpole (my home town).


It is my sincere hope that people 40 years from now will recognize that even during trying times, Walpole's citizens came through by making little sacrifices.

How about making coffee at home before hitting the road?
How about reducing your cable tv package (or eliminating it?).
How about less yakking on the cell phone (and racking up those minutes?).
How about cutting down on those Red Sox tickets (I gave up on that a long time ago. Go Brockton Rox!)

A town without a library is a town without a soul.

I'm in, and I hope you are too.

[Unregistered]

It seems everyone has an opinion on what the new library proposal should have included. I wish some of this energy and passion was evidenced earlier in the process. In any event, the town needs a central location catalyst to drive traffic downtown, and jump start the local economy. What could be more inclusive than a clean, green center for reading and learning that is accessable by all and welcomes toddlers to seniors? Businesses big and small like to invest where people have some skin in the game. Saying "Yes" to a new library shows these potential investors that Walpole is willing to build and improve its infrastructure. Hopefully this will drive business growth. Passions run deep on this issue, and both sides are quick to fire back strongly worded responses. I feel the time is now to start improving Walpole.

[Unregistered]

The library supporters have done a great job of getting the information out to the public. A lot of work has gone into the planning and marketing of this initiative, but simply distributing information is not enough. If they want to win the support of these detractors they need to gather feedback and make adjustments. If someone doesn't think the new library is a good idea, it's highly unlikely that they'll ask for more information. There's no motivation for them to try and challenge their opinions. There's no doubt that they've worked hard to sell the library, but perhaps there are some strategies that they didn't try.

I think the committee has done a good job of explaining the deficiencies of the current library, soliciting input from the community, developing a solid proposal, and getting information out to the voters. I am pleased to see that they have modified the plan to reduce costs, and I think they've done an even better job of articulating the need for this override than they did last fall.

I agree the burden is on them to make a convincing case to the voters. But no citizen should just sit back and wait passively to see what plan emerges. If someone cares enough to vote, they should also care enough to offer feedback while the plan is evolving. The motivation is to help the town to come up with the best proposal before it even gets to this stage. It is a bit late to be offering suggestions now, and it is no fault of the redesign committee if people failed to get involved in a more timely manner.

I have to laugh when I see people who don't even vote, but who complain about how government operates. I think the same can be said on a smaller scale for people who complain about the content of this proposal now, but who have been silent for years while the real work was being done to create it. It's not as if this has been some big secret - they've been discussing this plan with the public for the last 15 years!

I would like to thank the trustees, planners, and supporters for everything they have done. Whatever the outcome, you should be proud that you have done your best to save our library.

[Unregistered]

From Never a good time for you- "I am certain you are happy to live off of the infastructure left from generations before... I am going to do my part for those who come next."

I'm sure the next generation will thank you for doing your part in leaving them a Federal, state and local debt they will NEVER EVER be able to pay back for you! But hey- who cares. You won't be around. The good news is they will have that library to go to because they won't be able to afford to go anywhere else.

This comment is off base. The library override, by definition, will be paid off completely over the next 20 years. You may have legitimate concerns about federal and state governments engaging in deficit spending, but those arguments simply do not apply to the library proposal. If anything, this is a responsible program that explains precisely how and when it will be paid for.

Please grind your ax elsewhere!

[Unregistered]

You are hysterically funny, even if your response(s) are way over the top. Certainly this override is peanuts compared to past overrides, where you note that people claimed they would ration their food and skip their meds. Your aggressive tactics and clear anger towards those who would dare vote "no" to anything do not help your cause.

The point is, they "no" crowd does vote no to everything.... even when the amount is,... as you quote "peanuts"!

[Unregistered]

I respect a yes or no vote based on a legitimate reason. No one is privy to someone's else finances or political philosophy. I can see how those who have advocated for overrides on different matters could be frustrated over information that is inaccurate or creates a distraction.

So please keep in mind when voting that the only question before you is the library and not a senior center or public safety building. These are distractions. We can't vote on those two buildings now. Voters already rejected the police station. Those who don't feel that voters should have a second chance at the library will then say that voters should have a second chance at the police station. Take a moment to think about the contradiction here.

The library web page is a source of information www.walpolelibrary2009.org

The cost of the project is $800,000 less due to redesign and lower construction costs. The lower cost is not a scam as one letter to the editor suggested. Libraries will not become obsolete. Even Bill Gates of computer fame sees the value of libraries and his foundation is awarding grants to communities to enhance libraries.

The services and delivery of information provided by a library will evolve due to technology but this has happened in other services. Did we decided that we didn't need the postal service anymore when the Pony Express met its end?

On the front page of Walpole News, there is a story about how renovation costs could approach or exceed the cost of a new building. This is a strong reason to build new rather than renovate. Please block out all the white noise and read the information before you vote.

Thank you

[Unregistered]

A town without a library is a town without a soul.

My mind was changed to support the new library based on facts and numbers. I'm not trying to insult you but frilly statements like yours and the silly statement in the paper about sails and rudders do nothing for the argument and in fact I think it hurts the cause.

When someone reads a statement like "town without a soul", that leads a person to believe that you have no real argument and no convincing way to sway a voter. It actually sounds like you just want to spend money for nothing.

Again, not trying to insult, just trying to move the discussion in a positive way towards some facts.

[Unregistered]

Thought this might be of interest: Shortcut to: http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/news/x1907529002/Norwood-library-facing-certification-appeal?view=print

Seems like every town is in the same boat. Walpole has a golden chance to solve this problem.

[Unregistered]

I'm on the fence about the library. The Police station is falling down around them. We should have built the combined Fire/Police station a few years ago, but it was voted down. We are laying off firefighter/paramedics but the town doesn't care about that, they are in more of an uproar about not having the fireworks. Aren't health and saftey more important? The town gives land away to build a new Senior Center? And if we do build a new library, why can't the Senior Center go in the old library or in the new library for that matter? Where are our priorities? I need concrete facts as to why I should vote for the library or why I shouldn't, not an essay, just #1, #2, #3. Thanks.

[Unregistered]

The average estimates to the make the current library ADA compliant range from 5 million to 7 million depending on who you ask. This is money that we will need to pay sooner or latter. Also, we may also need to pay a big court cost and/or settlement on any lawsuit that may arrise because of the non-compliant building. This cost is only to make the current building accessible, is does nothing else to the facility. And who knows what the court and settlement costs could be if they became a factor.

The town cost of building a new library are about 9 million since we can get a large amount of the cost from the state. This new library will not only solve the ADA compliant issue, but also upgrade all the other aspects of the library. Lets face it, the ADA stuff aside, out library is not nearly what it could be. (And not because of the staff, but because of the facility)

Even when comparing the high and low ends. I admit the the difference in spending 9 million (new) and 5 million (rebuilding w/ no litigation costs) is significant. An 80% difference actually, but the impact per person is what I looked at. If the $70 per year per home is the average to build the new library, then the eventual rebuild will cost around $40.00 a year. Given that difference I think that the new library is the way to go.


Imagine if you took a car into the shop and they told you either pay at least $3500 for a new transmission to make it driveable (maybe more once that start the work). Or if due to factory rebates and special deals (ie: The State Grant Money) for $6500 you can have a brand new car, which was a better model with alot the bells and whistles that your current car does not have, but you need to decide soon or the rebates expire in four days.

I'd bet that most of us would be buying that new car, and also being raving about the deal we just got!

[Unregistered]

The actual cost to the town is $6.2 million. The rest is the grant of $4 million and the donations of $1 million. It will cost the town as much if not more for a redo of the old building and it still won't have enough parking. There is no room to expand there.

[Unregistered]

Facts are wrong....

The cost to build new and re-furbish existing are esentially the same to the tax payer. There will be no grant for a re-model, so the Walpole tax payer will be footing the entire bill. The cost of the new is subsidized by a state grant and donations, the tremaining balance to the taxpayer fo9r a new library is essentially the same as the remodel would be.

[Unregistered]

First of all -I need to know who the dealer is who's selling brand new cars for $6,500!! Please post the name so I can get down there. Because I'm driving a pickup with over 100,000 miles on it and unless an oak tree falls on it I'm goinng to repair it and it's going to go some more miles for me. I also don't need alot of "bells and whistles" like your new car (library) needs to have.

Where did you get the 5-7 million dollar estimates to make the current library ADA compliant? I hope it's not from the same contractor who gave you your estimate for a new library building.

I am in the construction field, and I will tell you that your "facts" about ADA are totally incorrect. The library is ADA compliant right now. It's wrong but compliant. If it wasn't, it would have been ordered to fix it or close it. ALL of the public buildings in Walople -even the East Walpole library -are ADA cxompliant. So don't you wonder why isn't such an important building is the only one thats not ADA compliant? Because it wouldn't help "the cause" as people like to call it on here to build a new bells and whistles library. What's a new library without a state of the art Starbucks in it?

Unless you're planning to bring in the wrecking ball, the current library would be reused. Once you start to renovate the building, THEN it is no longer ADA compliant. So then you do have spend the money to fix it (finally).

[Unregistered]

First of all -I need to know who the dealer is who's selling brand new cars for $6,500!! Please post the name so I can get down there. Because I'm driving a pickup with over 100,000 miles on it and unless an oak tree falls on it I'm goinng to repair it and it's going to go some more miles for me. I also don't need alot of "bells and whistles" like your new car (library) needs to have.

Where did you get the 5-7 million dollar estimates to make the current library ADA compliant? I hope it's not from the same contractor who gave you your estimate for a new library building.

I am in the construction field, and I will tell you that your "facts" about ADA are totally incorrect. The library is ADA compliant right now. It's wrong but compliant. If it wasn't, it would have been ordered to fix it or close it. ALL of the public buildings in Walople -even the East Walpole library -are ADA cxompliant. So don't you wonder why isn't such an important building is the only one thats not ADA compliant? Because it wouldn't help "the cause" as people like to call it on here to build a new bells and whistles library. What's a new library without a state of the art Starbucks in it?

Unless you're planning to bring in the wrecking ball, the current library would be reused. Once you start to renovate the building, THEN it is no longer ADA compliant. So then you do have spend the money to fix it (finally).

You might have been able to snow a few people if you were not such an outright liar. There is no Starbucks or latte at the new library, it is an area under the stairwell where you can bring your own coffee.

Spinning tales to suit your own agenda. Your post is completely BOGUS!

[Unregistered]

Please spell out what the bells and whistles are? Could it be the air conditioning? Or maybe enough parking? Could it be more computers? Maybe the elevator or a larger children's room? Are we getting whistles when we frequent the library. Could it be that the building will have a doorbell? Please tell me what they are.

[Unregistered]

As a "construction guy" you have it about half right..as long as the town doesn't spend over X on the existing library, it remains "compliant" until someone raises the issue. When that happens, it must comply. And yes, even at your rates, it will cost nearly as much to comply w/ ADA regs as it will to have the state of the art facility, w/ the state grant, that is on the table. What's this about Starbucks? White Hen Pantry has coffee for $0.99!

[Unregistered]

OK. Take a deep breath. Relax. If you put your fist through the monitor, it's going to hurt. You don't need to call me a liar and BOGUS. I hope you can do better than that. There was a little attempted humor in there. You know- humor, funny, ha ha?? I can see you don't.

The "bells and whistles" comment was from a previous poster, not me. In his/her anology, used car = our library. New car "with alot the bells and whistles" = new library. For the whopping amount of $12,000,000 + guaranteed cost overruns I don't just want a few extras. I want spectacular. I want crystal chandeliers in the lobby. I want people fanning me and feeding me grapes and turning the pages of my book for me while I read. I want a best selling author to speak in the auditorium every Saturday.

Spending money on the library to make it ADA compliant vs. spending money on a new building is not an either or choice - override passes- it's both. So it is $12,200,000 cost to us not this 6.2 million you keep using. Nice try, but not everyone here is a Koolaid drinker. $6-7,000,000 make the current building compliant with the ADA??? That number is a joke.

Is the town going to level the Common St. building if a new library is built? If the answer is no, then you still have to make it ADA complaint for whatever reuse is planned. The only way you can spend ONLY new building money is to knock down the Common St library. If the override doesn't pass,then you have to make it ADA compliant anyway because the YES crowd has denied handicapped people use of the library for way too long. Fixing the building in any way would have hurt the crusade so the building was neglected. Don't you wonder why the library is still the only public building in town that is not ADA compliant? I guess not.

[Unregistered]

The cost of the building is $11.2 million. It costs the town and you $6.2 million because a grant and donations pay the rest. You do not have the facts and it doesn't seem like you want to know the facts either. Someone is fanning me and feeding me grapes while I type this post.

[Unregistered]

OK. Take a deep breath. Relax. If you put your fist through the monitor, it's going to hurt. You don't need to call me a liar and BOGUS. I hope you can do better than that. There was a little attempted humor in there. You know- humor, funny, ha ha?? I can see you don't.

The "bells and whistles" comment was from a previous poster, not me. In his/her anology, used car = our library. New car "with alot the bells and whistles" = new library. For the whopping amount of $12,000,000 + guaranteed cost overruns I don't just want a few extras. I want spectacular. I want crystal chandeliers in the lobby. I want people fanning me and feeding me grapes and turning the pages of my book for me while I read. I want a best selling author to speak in the auditorium every Saturday.

Spending money on the library to make it ADA compliant vs. spending money on a new building is not an either or choice - override passes- it's both. So it is $12,200,000 cost to us not this 6.2 million you keep using. Nice try, but not everyone here is a Koolaid drinker. $6-7,000,000 make the current building compliant with the ADA??? That number is a joke.

Is the town going to level the Common St. building if a new library is built? If the answer is no, then you still have to make it ADA complaint for whatever reuse is planned. The only way you can spend ONLY new building money is to knock down the Common St library. If the override doesn't pass,then you have to make it ADA compliant anyway because the YES crowd has denied handicapped people use of the library for way too long. Fixing the building in any way would have hurt the crusade so the building was neglected. Don't you wonder why the library is still the only public building in town that is not ADA compliant? I guess not.

Are you a contractor who wants to get the private contract for a senior center if the library "looses" their spot?

You must do one heck of a job, since you are over-quoting the library cost and talk about "guaranted over-runs". Maybe the way you work, when it is a back room project... The library trustees on the other hand are among the most credible, selfless, and honest people going. The only reason they were "beat" last time is because they are not used to swimming in the cespool of local yokal politics in Walpole. Honesty eventually prevails... look at all the failed dirty disgusting developement attempts.... godd eventually always wins out:)

[Unregistered]

Once again, the Grand Dame of East Walpole and her cadre have filled the Walpole Times with obfuscations and misdirections concerning the library. Susan has been fully briefed on the facts surrounding the proposed override, but she continures to float what-ifs and worst-case scenarios about the town's future. She has unilaterally decided that her legacy to the town will be a senior center paid for with other peoples money. She had ample opportunity to open her books to the selectmen and the town to show us all how much her extensive fundraising experience reaped from the private donors, but she refuses to do so. Her only hope is to see the library fail, then sieze the land and reverse course, now being in full favor for an override for her pet project. Her act is old, it is divisive, her penpal tricks fool noone, she sold out the town to the power plant crowd for her 30 pieces of silver. Please do not be influenced by her shenanigans.

[Unregistered]

One or two letters in the WT today mention that there have been NO new public buildings since 1965 - 44 years! That's almost 2 full generations of neglect. No wonder this town is crumbling around us. As for the naysayers, no time will ever be good for them- not next year, next decade or even two more generations. I will be showing my Walpole pride and voting for the new library.

[Unregistered]

The same old, same old message in the letters to the editor today about a "small group" pushing a project. You would think that by now there would be a more original statement. Keep in mind that when these letter writers who are the "real small group" want the police station, we can remind them that the voters said NO.

[Unregistered]

The same old, same old message in the letters to the editor today about a "small group" pushing a project. You would think that by now there would be a more original statement. Keep in mind that when these letter writers who are the "real small group" want the police station, we can remind them that the voters said NO.

The funny part is,... the small group of "naysayers" will not be pushing for a police station... it is just a distraction. They didn't want that eithet when it was on the ballot! They want nothing but a rundown old town,... I guess it makes them feel at "home". But this is OUR home too! Get out and vote!!!

[Unregistered]

Spending money on the library to make it ADA compliant vs. spending money on a new building is not an either or choice - override passes- it's both. So it is $12,200,000 cost to us not this 6.2 million you keep using. Nice try, but not everyone here is a Koolaid drinker. $6-7,000,000 make the current building compliant with the ADA??? That number is a joke.

Is the town going to level the Common St. building if a new library is built? If the answer is no, then you still have to make it ADA complaint for whatever reuse is planned. The only way you can spend ONLY new building money is to knock down the Common St library. If the override doesn't pass,then you have to make it ADA compliant anyway because the YES crowd has denied handicapped people use of the library for way too long. Fixing the building in any way would have hurt the crusade so the building was neglected. Don't you wonder why the library is still the only public building in town that is not ADA compliant? I guess not.

This is a bogus argument. You don't know what the town is going to do with the former library building after the new one is built. Perhaps we will sell it to a private developer to help fund other revitalization projects. Instead of costing the town money, the old building will be a windfall to the taxpayers.

IF the building is repurposed for some other public use, then yes, it would have to be made ADA compliant. And IF such a project were undertaken, the town would have a new, public use building in addition to our new library. To use the "new car" analogy, we would only pay for two new cars if we decide that we need a second car. Otherwise, the existing building can be sold for a profit and converted into condominiums or a senior center by a private developer.

I am not surprised that the "NO" crowd continues to use such misleading talking points, but I believe the voters are smart enough to see through your bogus hysteria.

[Unregistered]

Once again, the Grand Dame of East Walpole and her cadre have filled the Walpole Times with obfuscations and misdirections concerning the library. Susan has been fully briefed on the facts surrounding the proposed override, but she continures to float what-ifs and worst-case scenarios about the town's future. She has unilaterally decided that her legacy to the town will be a senior center paid for with other peoples money. She had ample opportunity to open her books to the selectmen and the town to show us all how much her extensive fundraising experience reaped from the private donors, but she refuses to do so. Her only hope is to see the library fail, then sieze the land and reverse course, now being in full favor for an override for her pet project. Her act is old, it is divisive, her penpal tricks fool noone, she sold out the town to the power plant crowd for her 30 pieces of silver. Please do not be influenced by her shenanigans.

Susan Maguire has earned a lot of ill will in this town. The chickens will come home to roost, though. She has made a lot of public statements that are actually very strong arguments against her pet project - the senior center. It is time for Ms. Maguire to be more open with the town about the true costs of the senior center project, including her storm water management plan. You do have one of those, don't you Ms. Maguire?

It is really too bad that our seniors and the Council on Aging have to suffer from their association with her. She has burned a lot of bridges in this town, and she will be THE reason why we do not build a new senior center someday.

[Unregistered]

Per the Walpole Town Report 2008:

The Council on Aging serves a population of people who are 60 and over.
According to the COA there is a total of 4,642 people over 60 in Walpole.

The Library can be used by the entire population. In 2008 the population was 24,495.

Let us come together and support a building that can be used by the entire population before we construct something that can only be used by a small fraction of the population.

[Unregistered]

This is a great opinion piece from the Daily Transcript regarding the importance of libraries:

http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/opinions/x124616235/Midpoints-Libraries-still-matter-even-in-tough-times

[Unregistered]

Susan Maguire has earned a lot of ill will in this town. The chickens will come home to roost, though. She has made a lot of public statements that are actually very strong arguments against her pet project - the senior center. It is time for Ms. Maguire to be more open with the town about the true costs of the senior center project, including her storm water management plan. You do have one of those, don't you Ms. Maguire?

It is really too bad that our seniors and the Council on Aging have to suffer from their association with her. She has burned a lot of bridges in this town, and she will be THE reason why we do not build a new senior center someday.

I would support a Senior Center,... if that woman were not involved. I used to by COA raffle tickets, but I stopped the year of the power plant,... when they came accompanied by a letter from Susan MaGuire. I jusy cannot bring myself to support anything she is involved in... I think she has caused uncalculable damage to the spirit, soul, and cohesion of our community.

[Unregistered]

Susan Maguire has done alot of good for the people of Walpole over the years, I think it is a shame she is being slaughtered on these boards because she has a different opinion about issues.

[Unregistered]

Hey, I am over 60 and I am still working and very active. I would not be using the senior center. I am sure I am not alone. So the estimate for usage is over inflated. I do and will continue to use the library.

[Unregistered]

There is a long history of the library in Walpole dating back to the original grant from Carnegie, which was stated in a Walpole Times editorial.

Libraries are important to any town because they are the center of learning. Whether it be self-learning, school projects, job search reviews (very necessary in this economy) or just love of reading. Walpole has a tremendous reading population, note the number of new books that most other libraries borrow from Walpole.

Wasting the amount the amount of money the State has laid aside for this project is a rejection of those LIBRARY as a town resource and the animosity of a small group who seek their own uses for land better suited for the whole town.

[Unregistered]

If the overide for the library passes today, maybe the town should have a third vote, just in case. You know, two out of three wins or best of seven. In fact, maybe there should be another Presidential election to give McCain another chance. After all, we want to be fair.

[Unregistered]

I know for a fact that my teeny-weeny cul-de-sac (my family 3 + neighbor 3) provided 6 winning votes and the other house probably provided all the other winning votes. The library won by 9. Our little cul-de-sac might have put them over the edge. Go precinct 4 !!! Go Walpole!!! We won!

[Unregistered]

We are laying off teahcers, police and firemen, but the overide passes for the library? What has happened to this town? Where are the priorities? Shameful.

[Unregistered]

If the overide for the library passes today, maybe the town should have a third vote, just in case. You know, two out of three wins or best of seven. In fact, maybe there should be another Presidential election to give McCain another chance. After all, we want to be fair.

Right, because it's not like McCain ever ran unsuccessfully for president before 2008. :rolleyes:

What you are suggesting is that if the voters say "NO" to a proposal, they should never have another chance to vote on any similar proposal? We should never consider building a new police station because the voters said "NO" once before? We should never try to rewrite our zoning again because the last rewrite got voted down by the Board of Selectmen?

In the world you want to live in, we would never do anything. I guess as long as you don't have to pay for it, you'd be fine with that?

[Unregistered]

Automatic recount ????

[Unregistered]

Automatic recount ????

I should hope so, nine votes for library and thirty votes for selectmen.

[Unregistered]

We are laying off teahcers, police and firemen, but the overide passes for the library? What has happened to this town? Where are the priorities? Shameful.

I guess we just need another override to hire teachers, police and firemen.

Remember the one you guys voted down on November 4 would have taken care of all of that.

[Unregistered]

I use the current library and am fully satisfied with it and the staff.

This is the wrong time to spend taxpayer money and increase our taxes. We are in the middle of a recession (depression?). Many are having a difficult time paying their mortgages and taxes and are loosing their homes. The State is increasing sales and gas tax. Many towns are having to layoff personnel in safety critical fire and police departments. Also, if we have a bigger library they will want a bigger staff!

Further, electronic book readers such as the Kindle and Sony Electronic Book will make traditional libraries obsolete. There are almost 1,000,000 books available for these electronic books. There is also a new technology that permits onsite printing of books for ~$10/book.

It is becoming all to frequent that an override is defeated during a major election and the defeated minority gets it onto a “minor election” where they can get it passed. This is a sleazy tactic and should not be permitted.

Bottom line. Current library is adequate. There is a recession and many will be hurt further by state and now town tax increases. What is the future for printed books?

[Unregistered]

What does it take to get a manual recount of the library vote??

[Unregistered]

Right, because it's not like McCain ever ran unsuccessfully for president before 2008. :rolleyes:

What you are suggesting is that if the voters say "NO" to a proposal, they should never have another chance to vote on any similar proposal? We should never consider building a new police station because the voters said "NO" once before? We should never try to rewrite our zoning again because the last rewrite got voted down by the Board of Selectmen?

In the world you want to live in, we would never do anything. I guess as long as you don't have to pay for it, you'd be fine with that?

I guess what you are saying is keep voting until it turns out your way? Now that's democracy. Voters said no 6 months ago. Maybe there should be a new vote, say every month, just to be fair. Wake up and smell the coffee. We need a new library so bad, yet it is closed on Saturday's for June, July, and August due to lack of use. Great logic.

[Unregistered]

I use the current library and am fully satisfied with it and the staff.

This is the wrong time to spend taxpayer money and increase our taxes. We are in the middle of a recession (depression?). Many are having a difficult time paying their mortgages and taxes and are loosing their homes. The State is increasing sales and gas tax. Many towns are having to layoff personnel in safety critical fire and police departments. Also, if we have a bigger library they will want a bigger staff!

Further, electronic book readers such as the Kindle and Sony Electronic Book will make traditional libraries obsolete. There are almost 1,000,000 books available for these electronic books. There is also a new technology that permits onsite printing of books for ~$10/book.

It is becoming all to frequent that an override is defeated during a major election and the defeated minority gets it onto a “minor election” where they can get it passed. This is a sleazy tactic and should not be permitted.

Bottom line. Current library is adequate. There is a recession and many will be hurt further by state and now town tax increases. What is the future for printed books?


Finally someone with some common sense. Thank you!

[Unregistered]

For the cynic, it would never be a good time to build a new library. As Oscar Wilde once said, "A cynic is a man who knows the price of everything but the value of nothing."

Let's set the record straight: A lot of people who wanted the new library also clearly want to see our police and fire stations optimally staffed. We simply want a town that's running on all cylinders -- from cultural to educational to business development to safety, and beyond! Is that so wrong, to want the best for the town you chose to live?

We all know Massachusetts is expensive, taxes are on the rise, we are in a recession, and you don't get a lot for the money here. Since that has been firmly established, we need to understand that if it's too expensive here in Walpole, then we should consider somewhere more affordable to live. We personally think about moving so that we can maximize our savings. But we are also interested in our town moving forward -- we could very well stay here, as we like Walpole.

Technologies like Kindle aren't free. That is a commercial enterprise. Libraries lend free books. There is a difference. Libraries are also part of the traditional culture of a community. Tradition is important, as long as it has societal value.

The value of a book has stood the test of time -- actually since the first book was published in 1455 in Mainz, Germany! To say that Kindle will make libraries obsolete is absurd! Don't you care about your community? Libraries are so much more than just a place for books! You say, where is the future for printed books? Seems to me that the libraries are more busy than ever, as well as Barnes and Noble and Borders book stores. People are looking for inexpensive things to do in these trying times. Libraries fulfill that objective.

I think if we look at issues through common sense and what is right and what is wrong -- rather than self-serving agendas -- then we can get someplace as a community. I'm glad that the voters feel that way, this time around in Walpole regarding the library. I hope fully staffed police and fire stations happen even sooner.

I know it has been said before but if you forgo one meal out a year at a restaurant, that cost will make up for what you have to pay for the new library each year. Or... gee, even maybe what you would spend buying Kindle books!!


I use the current library and am fully satisfied with it and the staff.

This is the wrong time to spend taxpayer money and increase our taxes. We are in the middle of a recession (depression?). Many are having a difficult time paying their mortgages and taxes and are loosing their homes. The State is increasing sales and gas tax. Many towns are having to layoff personnel in safety critical fire and police departments. Also, if we have a bigger library they will want a bigger staff!

Further, electronic book readers such as the Kindle and Sony Electronic Book will make traditional libraries obsolete. There are almost 1,000,000 books available for these electronic books. There is also a new technology that permits onsite printing of books for ~$10/book.

It is becoming all to frequent that an override is defeated during a major election and the defeated minority gets it onto a “minor election” where they can get it passed. This is a sleazy tactic and should not be permitted.

Bottom line. Current library is adequate. There is a recession and many will be hurt further by state and now town tax increases. What is the future for printed books?

[Unregistered]

I use the current library and am fully satisfied with it and the staff.

This is the wrong time to spend taxpayer money and increase our taxes. We are in the middle of a recession (depression?). Many are having a difficult time paying their mortgages and taxes and are loosing their homes. The State is increasing sales and gas tax. Many towns are having to layoff personnel in safety critical fire and police departments. Also, if we have a bigger library they will want a bigger staff!

Further, electronic book readers such as the Kindle and Sony Electronic Book will make traditional libraries obsolete. There are almost 1,000,000 books available for these electronic books. There is also a new technology that permits onsite printing of books for ~$10/book.

It is becoming all to frequent that an override is defeated during a major election and the defeated minority gets it onto a “minor election” where they can get it passed. This is a sleazy tactic and should not be permitted.

Bottom line. Current library is adequate. There is a recession and many will be hurt further by state and now town tax increases. What is the future for printed books?

Yes, people were predicting the end of libraries 25 years ago, but we have seen just the opposite. Technologies like computers and the internet only increase the amount of information that we must dig through to discover the truth. We need trained librarians, modern facilities, and current print and electronic books now more than ever.

Printed books are the most resilient form of information storage known to man, with the possible exception of writings carved into stone tablets. Walk into a library and you can see books that are over 100 years old, just as useable today as they were when the ink as still wet. Compare that to many electronic formats which are completely unusable only a few decades after they were invented. Floppy discs, betamax and VHS tapes, even CDs and DVDs that are so widespread today will be useless lumps of plastic in another 20 years. But you will still be able to read a printed book from the 1700's when you visit our new library 100 years from now.

Wow, almost 1 million titles available for Kindle and Sony combined. Compare that with the 150 million books in the Library of Congress, and you will realize that only about one half of one percent of books are available to users of these devices. Imagine what you are missing when you restrict your reading to the use of such a device!

Public libraries are only "obsolete" to people who do not value information, education, history, and community.

Is it also a sleazy tactic, one day after an override has passed, for you to post sour grapes, or for others to demand a recount? Sorry, but the town won by nine votes. Get used to it. Your descendants will thank you.

[Unregistered]

In answer to libraries becoming obsolete... Computers have been around for 30 plus years and they have not displaced libraries. Kindle costs $359 to subscribe to and about $10 to download certain books.

[Unregistered]

What does it take to get a manual recount of the library vote??

Hmm... If only there was a place you could go to ask such a question. A place where people trained in information technology could help you to sift through all the myriad information floating around out there to find the answer you seek. A storehouse for human knowledge with staff who know how to store, catalogue, and retrieve the answers for you. If only...

Does anyone else think it is ironic that the folks who say we don't need a library because we have the internet are the same ones who don't know how to find the answers for themselves? Are you really asking a small group of anonymous strangers to do the legwork for you?

Here's the library for the "NO" crowd: http://www.google.com/ Knock yourself out.

[Unregistered]

Yes, people were predicting the end of libraries 25 years ago, but we have seen just the opposite. Technologies like computers and the internet only increase the amount of information that we must dig through to discover the truth. We need trained librarians, modern facilities, and current print and electronic books now more than ever.

Printed books are the most resilient form of information storage known to man, with the possible exception of writings carved into stone tablets. Walk into a library and you can see books that are over 100 years old, just as useable today as they were when the ink as still wet. Compare that to many electronic formats which are completely unusable only a few decades after they were invented. Floppy discs, betamax and VHS tapes, even CDs and DVDs that are so widespread today will be useless lumps of plastic in another 20 years. But you will still be able to read a printed book from the 1700's when you visit our new library 100 years from now.

Wow, almost 1 million titles available for Kindle and Sony combined. Compare that with the 150 million books in the Library of Congress, and you will realize that only about one half of one percent of books are available to users of these devices. Imagine what you are missing when you restrict your reading to the use of such a device!

Public libraries are only "obsolete" to people who do not value information, education, history, and community.

Is it also a sleazy tactic, one day after an override has passed, for you to post sour grapes, or for others to demand a recount? Sorry, but the town won by nine votes. Get used to it. Your descendants will thank you.




So it is a sleazy tactic to post sour grapes or for others to demand a recount. Sorry, but the town 'won' by 9 votes get used to it. Look in the mirror! Why did'nt you whining liberal 'yes' voters get used to it last fall when it was voted down? And by a lot more than 9 votes!

You will never learn that government in this state and especially in this town is just using you to suck more money from the taxpayers to keep the hackarama going. Now, just like the High School project which was not needed either is done, after the usual huge Big Dig cost overruns are done, the town will be desperate for another general override to pay for new administrators, assistant administrators, directors, cars, cellphones and other benefits all of course for the "children".


If you people really think a library is so desperately needed then PAY FOR IT YOURSELVES! Stop bleeding the rest of town dry like this state is doing!

[Unregistered]

Yes, people were predicting the end of libraries 25 years ago, but we have seen just the opposite. Technologies like computers and the internet only increase the amount of information that we must dig through to discover the truth. We need trained librarians, modern facilities, and current print and electronic books now more than ever.

Printed books are the most resilient form of information storage known to man, with the possible exception of writings carved into stone tablets. Walk into a library and you can see books that are over 100 years old, just as useable today as they were when the ink as still wet. Compare that to many electronic formats which are completely unusable only a few decades after they were invented. Floppy discs, betamax and VHS tapes, even CDs and DVDs that are so widespread today will be useless lumps of plastic in another 20 years. But you will still be able to read a printed book from the 1700's when you visit our new library 100 years from now.

Wow, almost 1 million titles available for Kindle and Sony combined. Compare that with the 150 million books in the Library of Congress, and you will realize that only about one half of one percent of books are available to users of these devices. Imagine what you are missing when you restrict your reading to the use of such a device!

Public libraries are only "obsolete" to people who do not value information, education, history, and community.

Is it also a sleazy tactic, one day after an override has passed, for you to post sour grapes, or for others to demand a recount? Sorry, but the town won by nine votes. Get used to it. Your descendants will thank you.


And it lost by 600 votes the first time. Two out of three anyone?

[Unregistered]

The High School project wasn't need? Are you serious? What you would pay for? Also since you are on the topic of government, instead of attacking liberals, you might want to ask the selectmen why they put the question on the ballot again. If they hadn't done that, we wouldn't be posting. Please direct your concern to them.

[Unregistered]

...
Now, just like the High School project which was not needed either is done,...

Wow, you just lost all of your credibility with this one statement.

I can understand both sides of most votes, but anyone who thinks the high school project was not needed is simply out of touch.

[Unregistered]

So it is a sleazy tactic to post sour grapes or for others to demand a recount. Sorry, but the town 'won' by 9 votes get used to it. Look in the mirror! Why did'nt you whining liberal 'yes' voters get used to it last fall when it was voted down? And by a lot more than 9 votes!

That was a different proposal. In response to the results of the first vote, the trustees had the obligation to present a revised plan to the people. That is what they did.

And they must have done a good job, too, because voter turnout (35% (http://www.walpolenews.com/election.html)) exceeded predictions of the town clerk (25-30% (http://www.wickedlocal.com/walpole/news/x726827821/Average-turnout-expected-for-Saturdays-election)).

It was a close vote, but you'd be singing a different tune if it was 9 votes in the other direction. That's how it works, and it's good to see an example every once in awhile of the power of the individual voter. If you don't like the outcome, maybe you'll remember to vote next time.

[Unregistered]

I can't beleive this is happening to us again. We already voted "NO" to a new library and we had to vote again until it was voted in. It was voted in by a total of nine votes. I belieive we should hold a 3rd election to see the outcome of that. We shouldn't have had a second election to begin with. Don't you listen to people the first time...
We are being taxed to death in this town & state in every way possible. Why don't the "yes" voters pay for the new library and leave the rest of us alone!!

[Unregistered]

Yes, people were predicting the end of libraries 25 years ago, but we have seen just the opposite. Technologies like computers and the internet only increase the amount of information that we must dig through to discover the truth. We need trained librarians, modern facilities, and current print and electronic books now more than ever.

Printed books are the most resilient form of information storage known to man, with the possible exception of writings carved into stone tablets. Walk into a library and you can see books that are over 100 years old, just as useable today as they were when the ink as still wet. Compare that to many electronic formats which are completely unusable only a few decades after they were invented. Floppy discs, betamax and VHS tapes, even CDs and DVDs that are so widespread today will be useless lumps of plastic in another 20 years. But you will still be able to read a printed book from the 1700's when you visit our new library 100 years from now.

Wow, almost 1 million titles available for Kindle and Sony combined. Compare that with the 150 million books in the Library of Congress, and you will realize that only about one half of one percent of books are available to users of these devices. Imagine what you are missing when you restrict your reading to the use of such a device!

Public libraries are only "obsolete" to people who do not value information, education, history, and community.

Is it also a sleazy tactic, one day after an override has passed, for you to post sour grapes, or for others to demand a recount? Sorry, but the town won by nine votes. Get used to it. Your descendants will thank you.

What is sleazy is the "revote" on this issue, afer it was soundly defeated in November. Back in November, the town said NO. But now given a "redo", a determined minority has overturned the will of the people. A sad blow to democracy, but the "wanna haves" will continue to push and push to get their way, even though the proposal makes NO financial sense in these challenging times.

[Unregistered]

So the overide passed and a new library has been won. Understanding that nobody wants the added tax burden upon them. Oh wait was the purchase of Adams farm land passed on as new taxes to preserve that area of walpole. I maybe wrong but if I am I apologize. The great outdoor is just as important as maybe reading a book in my estimation.
Yes private donations maybe the way to go but one way or the other the town,state or federal goverment is going to get those taxes out of you. To people who can afford the $399 for the kindle reader, and the $9.99 for the downloadable books. Here is a novel Idea
Just give it to the library, and every one who does that well we should come up with a bundle of cash to build the library, and a new Police station. Sounds Like a plan.
If a recount is what people want, then do it once an let's move on.

[Unregistered]

So it is a sleazy tactic to post sour grapes or for others to demand a recount. Sorry, but the town 'won' by 9 votes get used to it. Look in the mirror! Why did'nt you whining liberal 'yes' voters get used to it last fall when it was voted down? And by a lot more than 9 votes!

You will never learn that government in this state and especially in this town is just using you to suck more money from the taxpayers to keep the hackarama going. Now, just like the High School project which was not needed either is done, after the usual huge Big Dig cost overruns are done, the town will be desperate for another general override to pay for new administrators, assistant administrators, directors, cars, cellphones and other benefits all of course for the "children".


If you people really think a library is so desperately needed then PAY FOR IT YOURSELVES! Stop bleeding the rest of town dry like this state is doing!


Wait....Who is whining ?

[Unregistered]

So it is a sleazy tactic to post sour grapes or for others to demand a recount. Sorry, but the town 'won' by 9 votes get used to it. Look in the mirror! Why did'nt you whining liberal 'yes' voters get used to it last fall when it was voted down? And by a lot more than 9 votes!

You will never learn that government in this state and especially in this town is just using you to suck more money from the taxpayers to keep the hackarama going. Now, just like the High School project which was not needed either is done, after the usual huge Big Dig cost overruns are done, the town will be desperate for another general override to pay for new administrators, assistant administrators, directors, cars, cellphones and other benefits all of course for the "children".


If you people really think a library is so desperately needed then PAY FOR IT YOURSELVES! Stop bleeding the rest of town dry like this state is doing!

You need to move to the Arctic Tundra. Or perhaps the moon. You want to be paying for what I assume is only what you use.... and I would suspect you cannot afford yourself!

I hope you are not using medicare care, social security, van rides, or the public schools. Because if you are,... YOUR BLEEDING ME DRY! I hope you can see the humor here. Because I do not mind paying for you. You are certaintly using some service I am paying for, and not using myself. That's called taxes,... and being a part of a community. It is called CIVILIZATION.

You should be very careful what you wish for. We are not a pay your own way society when it comes to public services. I suspect if we shut off all of your free services, you would se the light.

Your welcome for all that I pay for you. And I want to thank you for the Library. The best deal going. Once you try it, you really will like it. And now that you own a share, start using it. It's free!

PS If you are in a hme valued at $225,000, the Library will only cost you $35 the first year, and about $18 the last year. I think that will leave plenty of blood in circulation for you.

[Unregistered]

People keep talking about how they can't afford to vote for the new library. I wonder how many of them have not made any improvements or additions to their home. If you build a house here in Walpole in 1963, the year the library was added to, is it still the in the very same condition as when you moved in? Did you have to put on a new roof? Did you add a family room? How about new windows or a new furnace, or maybe even whole house air conditioning? Did you upgrade your electrical service to accommodate all the computer equipment and cable services you now enjoy?

If people think their living space needed work to make it more liveable and enjoyable, what makes people think that the library, with all the traffic that goes through it, doesn't get worn out or obsolete? In 1963, the library had 3 components--main, East Walpole, and North Walpole. The population was smaller. Now, the population has increased, and the 2 branches have closed. When it comes to budget cuts, the library is one of the first places that gets a big cut. Not fair.

Also, when folks talk about electronic books, such as Kindle, do they realize that it is not a freebie? You have to buy the Kindle package, and each download of a book is about $10. I myself read several books a week. That's an expensive proposition if I have to get a Kindle book. What if I don't like the book? A new and improved library will be an asset to the town, one that everyone will benefit from having.

If I could get a new, larger, home with all the latest improvements, with someone giving me a big chunk of money, I would do it. We shouldn't be penny wise and pound foolish. Once it's done, we will wonder why we had such a struggle approving the building of it.

[Unregistered]

I hope the new Library has large tables with comfortable chairs, a coffee bar, lots of natural light and plenty of restrooms because that is where many of us will be living after we are done paying for it! Recount!

[Unregistered]

I hope the new Library has large tables with comfortable chairs, a coffee bar, lots of natural light and plenty of restrooms because that is where many of us will be living after we are done paying for it! Recount!

You sound hysterical. What is your house valued at? if it is in the low $400,000s, then this will cost you about $1100 over 20 years. If you live in a more economical home in Walpole, valued in the low $200,000 this project will cost you about $550 over the next 20 years. To insinuate that this will make anyone homeless is just outright hysteria.

The "coffee bar" will be a table under the stairs where you can bring your own coffee. But if you are as distitute as you say, you should not be drinking coffee, it has no nutritional value and is a waste of your money. If you are as destitute as you say, I am certain you will use the new library often because you certainly can not afford to go anywhere. The chairs will probably be far more comfortable than at your home, as I am certain that you would not have bought a new chair in the last 30 years. Try using their museum passes so that you can get out and find some free entertainment. Being so close to homelessness, the free passes are perfect for you. How about reading a book? That is free to. Millions to choose from. ...Hey! I just realized that you are posting on an internet site?!? Are you at the library?? Surely someone as destitute as you would not have spent so frivolously on a computer?? What about your internet,... you must be using dial-up.

See how silly you are? If you were truly as destitute as you try to make it appear, you would be thrilled with the prospect of a new public library, as it serves everyone, especially people without means. You clearly just don't want to spend the money. You have a right to your opinion, but please do not infer homelessness will result from the library, it is in very poor taste.

I will happily loan you my pitchfork, because surely you cannot buy your own.

[Unregistered]

I read with Rapturous interest Post #7's mention of a Butterfly Sanctuary located at Adams Farm. I consider this a very worthwhile endeavor. Nets could be installed over the trees with a double entry way to secure the area so they didn't escape when entering and leaving the area. It wouldn't cost much to accomplish this and what better way to involve our young children in Nature. It wouldn't have to be a huge amount of land encompassed as butterflys normally live in a small defined area.

[registered]

I would love to see a new library but I have two issues with this ballot question. 1. The voters of the town said NO in November. There is no reason why we should be revisiting the issue. Did you think we were just kidding the first time when we said no? Do you think if you keep asking, you might get the answer you want? 2. Why an $11.2mm library? I really do not think Walpole needs the Taj Mahal of Libraries. I believe a library can be built for far less than $11.2mm.

[Unregistered]

If you are angry that voters had another opportunity to vote on the proposal, please direct your frustration to the Board of Selectmen who voted to put the question on the ballot again. And also pay attention to who runs for selectmen. One of the selectmen on the board who put the question on the ballot again was just re-elected Saturday.

The comedy of the whole issue is the "Voters haved said NO" mantra. One of the vocal opponents ran for office, lost, and then ran again. I guess the person didn't hear that the voters had said NO to them.

[Unregistered]

Free money for the new library. When did state tax become free money? I better tell the payroll department that the state tax deduction I 've been seeing on my paystub is just a mistake. It's the new American way. If you don't like the way somethings going, don't worry
you'll get a bailout or you'll get something for nothing.

And don't blame the voters for wanting a recount. It wasn't their idea to have a second override vote.

Unregistered 2- Who are you trying to convince? Me or yourself?

You overturned the last election. Be proud of it!

[Unregistered]

People keep talking about how they can't afford to vote for the new library. I wonder how many of them have not made any improvements or additions to their home. If you build a house here in Walpole in 1963, the year the library was added to, is it still the in the very same condition as when you moved in? Did you have to put on a new roof? Did you add a family room? How about new windows or a new furnace, or maybe even whole house air conditioning? Did you upgrade your electrical service to accommodate all the computer equipment and cable services you now enjoy?

If people think their living space needed work to make it more liveable and enjoyable, what makes people think that the library, with all the traffic that goes through it, doesn't get worn out or obsolete? In 1963, the library had 3 components--main, East Walpole, and North Walpole. The population was smaller. Now, the population has increased, and the 2 branches have closed. When it comes to budget cuts, the library is one of the first places that gets a big cut. Not fair.

Also, when folks talk about electronic books, such as Kindle, do they realize that it is not a freebie? You have to buy the Kindle package, and each download of a book is about $10. I myself read several books a week. That's an expensive proposition if I have to get a Kindle book. What if I don't like the book? A new and improved library will be an asset to the town, one that everyone will benefit from having.

If I could get a new, larger, home with all the latest improvements, with someone giving me a big chunk of money, I would do it. We shouldn't be penny wise and pound foolish. Once it's done, we will wonder why we had such a struggle approving the building of it.


So, using your logic, the fire station and police station should be replaced first. They were both built long before the library. Oh, I'm sorry. I said something sensible that doesn't go along with what "everyone" thinks is right. It probably won't get posted.

[Unregistered]

I too use the library on a regular basis, but did in fact vote against a new one. Some of my questions are: 1) what will happen to this building? We still have to keep in good repair, heat it in the winter, etc. Will it just remain empty? No one has put forth any concrete thoughts or ideas; 2) not sure how we can justify building a new library when we are cutting back at home and there are cutbacks at work. For some, every penny counts and it is a chore and challege just to put food on the table and keep their heads above water: 3) how can we justify a new library when that money could be used for a safety person, be in fire or police, or a teacher? 4) if the library in its present state was going to have personnel cut, how can we properly man a new library? We will need more librarians, more custodial services, more everything and yet we are cutting back every where. I do think that for everything there is a season and this is not the time to go forward with new construction for a library. Kind of too late, but I hope that all the supporters of it realize just what they have voted for. It is more than just a new building!

[Mad as hell]

I am absolutely appalled that at a margin of 9 votes, there is no question NOW that the new library will be built when only 1/3 of the voters that turned out in November bothered to show up! And November's numbers were outrageous to start with! So...in a town where there are well over 30,000 people, a mere 2770 get to decide how the rest of us are going to possibly afford this new library. 9% of our population. WOW. What is wrong with this picture? In November, we had over 12,000...still paltry, but better, and lets not forget that in November, the new library was resoundly defeated.

Don't get me wrong...do I think we need a new library, with more parking...probably. But can we afford it right now when we are faced with such deficits in our Town and so many of us are not just struggling to get by, but in fact, AREN'T getting by? We have "managers" now who throw good money after bad, getting us further and further in debt, and yet in the very next breath tell us that we have to decide how many teachers, firefighters and police have to lose their jobs to "balance" our budget? Where is the logic in this? Have you all gone mad???

This isn't about a library....its about what we as a town can AFFORD! I don't know where I'm going to come up with this extra money...I cannot even fathom where the elderly and others who are on fixed incomes are going to come up with it. And after all...aren't we all on fixed incomes? Raise your hands if you received a salary increase last year.......no.......how about those of you who got a year-end bonus? Any takers?? Okay, who LOST income last year due to salary cuts and lost jobs! That's what I thought! Everything is up... gas, oil, TAXES, even T-passes went up 25% and now they're talking another 20%...45%!!!!!, but no more, and usually less, income is coming in.

So, we get a brand spanking new library which will probably be a defunct institution in a couple of years. With the digitization of everything looming, the question of an actual library where books are actually printed on paper, demise is not far off. But, by all means, lets invest 11.2 MILLION DOLLARS of our hard earned money into something that may last about 5 years, at best! I would rather see this money put into a new police station...oh no...better watch what I say....that will be next. How much now people? I don't even have lint left in my pockets because I'm using that to stay warm in the winter!

But, this is Walpole...the town who's "management" (and I use the term loosely) put something THEY want on the ballot, over, and over, and over again until the results THEY want are accomplished. There is something inherently wrong with this process and I cannot be the only one who thinks so.

So...what do you say Walpole...Best 2 out of 3??

[Unregistered]

As soon as the economy turns around, they'll be cutting staff and cutting hours because of lack of use. The library is so popular, it is closed on Saturday's three months of the year. Yep, we really need a new one.

[Unregistered]

I suppose the upside is: your house can burn down but you will have a good book to read in spite of that! Just won't have a place to sit and read it! Really odd priorities! Kind of like wearing reading glasses when one is blind??

[Hit the Road]

Maybe we could turn the old library into a pizza shop or package store, run by the Town of Walpole. That way we could help pay for the new library and we wouldn't have any increase in taxes. Probably we would be able to add people to the police, fire and town workers. We even might make enough to support the school system. Wouldn't it be just grand. No more increase in taxes ever. I'm just giddy with the possibilities. We could probably pave the sidewalks with gold.

[Unregistered]

Oh excuse me, I thought the voters said NO to the police station.

[Unregistered]

Interestingly enough, these anti-library people were also anti-police station (voted down resoundingly a few years ago), anti-school department, anti-everything in the 2 decades I have lived here. But, pro power plant, pro sludge, pro propane. Any junk business to bring in cash to fund we-all-know-what. You want money, start talking about selling Adams Farm which I did vote for but now regret. Sell the old East Walpole library. No new building since 1965? No wonder the town looks junky. Just look at East Walpole. Shamefully run down. The Bird Tower should be torn down. It is a disgrace. The whole area is nothing to be proud of.

[Unregistered]

So...in a town where there are well over 30,000 people, a mere 2770 get to decide how the rest of us are going to possibly afford this new library. 9% of our population. WOW. What is wrong with this picture? In November, we had over 12,000...still paltry, but better, and lets not forget that in November, the new library was resoundly defeated.


Walpole has well over 30,000 people? Wow! You better contact the census dept and inform them they should keep better records. For the record, Walpole has 24,000 residents more or less. 24,000 is the number of residents including children. It doesn't mean registered voters. A better gauge is number of households whether the household holds 8 or 1. As for the numbers that showed up in November, that was for a presidential election. From what I observed in my precinct, many had never voted before.

[Unregistered]

From the Daily Transcript Article entitled "Walpole "whispers" Yes to a new Library".....


A total of 5,726 of Walpole's 16,219 registered voters made it out to the polls Saturday, representing a higher than anticipated 35 percent turnout.

So maybe the 30,000 residents thing was off. That's still not a resounding "Yes" vote.


It was really cool to see the town made to look completely foolish on the Fox Morning News today. I was so proud.

[Unregistered]

From the Daily Transcript Article entitled "Walpole "whispers" Yes to a new Library".....



It was really cool to see the town made to look completely foolish on the Fox Morning News today. I was so proud.

Yup, real Walpole pride! We "newcomers" of several decades have more pride in Walpole. Perhaps you could enlighten us how Fox 25 (anchor Gene Lavanchy-a Walpole resident and native) made us look foolish. We're too busy to watch early morning Tv.

[Unregistered]

From the Daily Transcript Article entitled "Walpole "whispers" Yes to a new Library".....


A total of 5,726 of Walpole's 16,219 registered voters made it out to the polls Saturday, representing a higher than anticipated 35 percent turnout.

So maybe the 30,000 residents thing was off. That's still not a resounding "Yes" vote.


It was really cool to see the town made to look completely foolish on the Fox Morning News today. I was so proud.

35% is a lot better than a lot of past town elections. Given that most voting here in Walpole is around 25-26% when a non-important issue is brought out, this is a good showing.

[Unregistered]

As soon as the economy turns around, they'll be cutting staff and cutting hours because of lack of use. The library is so popular, it is closed on Saturday's three months of the year. Yep, we really need a new one.

I guess by your logic we don't need Town Hall, either - that closes at noon on Fridays! Better close up all those useless churches, too - only open one day a week.

[Unregistered]

Somebody emailed Fox news congratulating Gene and the people of Walpole on the new library, which was met by a bit of shock by the majority of the on air staff. When asked why Walpole needed a new library, Gene Levanchy said "there isn't enough parking". He also mentioned that his father in law, who apparently spends a considerable amount of time in libraries, said that the Walpole Library was one of the nicer ones around and was quite sufficient.

I'm sure it will be mentioned again tomorrow. I know of at least one email that was sent to Fox pointing out a few other things about "the friendly town".

And your sarcasm is not lost on me. And I'd tell you what to do with it, but that wouldn't get posted. I'm sorry my opinion isn't the same as yours. That's why they're called opinions. I too was busy, but stopped to listen when the embarassment was brought up.

[Unregistered]

I read with Rapturous interest Post #7's mention of a Butterfly Sanctuary located at Adams Farm. I consider this a very worthwhile endeavor. Nets could be installed over the trees with a double entry way to secure the area so they didn't escape when entering and leaving the area. It wouldn't cost much to accomplish this and what better way to involve our young children in Nature. It wouldn't have to be a huge amount of land encompassed as butterflys normally live in a small defined area.

We could use te soccer nets and lacrosse nets to contain the butterflies as well. I would like to see playing fields up there first.

[Unregistered]

I would love to see a new library but I have two issues with this ballot question. 1. The voters of the town said NO in November. There is no reason why we should be revisiting the issue. Did you think we were just kidding the first time when we said no? Do you think if you keep asking, you might get the answer you want? 2. Why an $11.2mm library? I really do not think Walpole needs the Taj Mahal of Libraries. I believe a library can be built for far less than $11.2mm.

I hope that you are not a woman. The only reason you are even able to vote is because the citizens and legislators of this country kept persuing a woman's right to vote, despite numerous defeats. Thank goodness democracy allows things to be re-visited.

By the way, the library is not a "taj mahal" so get the facts. Also, the library proposal was modidfied, and the trustees had a responsability to bring it back to the voters before we lost $4.5 mil in grant monety which expires in December. Once again,... thank goodness for persistence. Obviously the tax payers liked what they heard and changed their mind. We are entitled.

[Unregistered]

So, using your logic, the fire station and police station should be replaced first. They were both built long before the library. Oh, I'm sorry. I said something sensible that doesn't go along with what "everyone" thinks is right. It probably won't get posted.

The fire station was not built long before the library???

As for the timing of replacng buildings, the cheap-o NO crowd voted down the poublic safty facility as well. Don't worry, we will het to that as well. UI am certain you will go crazy at spending any money for public safety. But you know what, if you want to live in a decent town, with good services and solid infastructure, you need to be willing to invest in your community. There is no better place to spend your money than in your own back yard.

Next up... PUBLIC SAFETY!

squeak,...squeak,....squeak,... go the "masked NO marauders" in the corner!

[Unregistered]

I love being a 15 year old "new comer"! Let's make these folks nuts and build something else! I want a decent looking town. Let's sell part of Adams Farm to do it! The remaining piece can be used for fields and walking trails. And you are right, lets clean up East Walpole as well!

[Unregistered]

I am absolutely appalled that at a margin of 9 votes, there is no question NOW that the new library will be built when only 1/3 of the voters that turned out in November bothered to show up...

Don't get me wrong...do I think we need a new library, with more parking...probably....

We have "managers" now who throw good money after bad, getting us further and further in debt, and yet in the very next breath tell us that we have to decide how many teachers, firefighters and police have to lose their jobs to "balance" our budget...

This isn't about a library....its about what we as a town can AFFORD! I don't know where I'm going to come up with this extra money...I cannot even fathom where the elderly and others who are on fixed incomes are going to come up with it. And after all...aren't we all on fixed incomes?...

So, we get a brand spanking new library which will probably be a defunct institution in a couple of years. With the digitization of everything looming, the question of an actual library where books are actually printed on paper, demise is not far off...

But, this is Walpole...the town who's "management" (and I use the term loosely) put something THEY want on the ballot, over, and over, and over again until the results THEY want are accomplished. There is something inherently wrong with this process and I cannot be the only one who thinks so.

So...what do you say Walpole...Best 2 out of 3??

I just took a look at my property tax bill, and when I add in the tiny amount this override will cost, it is not even noticeable. And when you consider the fact that communities with strong public services enjoy better property values, we'll all end up ahead of the game in the final analysis.

Did you know that any Walpole homeowner who is unable to pay their property taxes due to financial circumstances can appeal to the town for a waiver? Nobody is going to become homeless because of the library! And if the override had not passed, it would not have saved a single job in the police or fire departments. Nobody is going to lose their job because of the library!

Speaking statistically, if every one of Walpole's 16,500 registered voters had cast their ballots on Saturday, the most likely outcome you could extrapolate would be YES: 7,982 NO: 7,956 BLANK: 562, and it would have lost by 26 votes. Unless you are implying that "NO" voters are less inclined to fulfill their civic duty by voting in a local election, or less capable of correctly filling in a circle with a crayon, perhaps? The library override did not pass because of low voter turnout!

You are completely misinformed about how an override works. And you are completely misinformed about the enduring value of libraries in the information age.

[Unregistered]

Do you mean to tell me that a Walpole resident Gene Lavanchy was trying to make his own town look foolish? I don't believe the post.

As far as the election goes, the town had a 35% turnout. Thank you for voting. If the rest didn't care enough to vote, then all the angry people can take it up with the voters who didn't go to the polls. Maybe you can publish their names on Fox?

The police station topic is kind of funny too. The station will cost double the library and it was already voted down. The voters said NO, NO, NO. So let's see. You can't afford a $6 million override but you can afford a $12 million plus police station? We can't vote on the library again because the voters said NO but it's okay to vote on the police station again.

And then the comments about the "management"? I guess you mean the selectmen. If you don't like the management, then why do you keep re-electing them?

Quick let's call Gene Lavachy because that is really funny.

[deaconmike]

Given the small margin of votes by which the ballot qustion on a new library passed, the issue of a recount seems to amount to this.

1. Did the automated tabulation of the ballots precipatate the possibility of 'mechanical' error'?

2. Was there a possibility that some marked ballots were rejected or read incorrectly because of 'marking' ambiguities?

3. Would a manual recount of the more 5500 ballots provide closure or introduce a further question?

On June 8, the Guild of the Boston Globe voted by a margin of twelve votes to reject the contract.

When does a recount begin to be absolute?

Fair question?

MIke

[Unregistered]

Interestingly enough, these anti-library people were also anti-police station (voted down resoundingly a few years ago), anti-school department, anti-everything in the 2 decades I have lived here. But, pro power plant, pro sludge, pro propane. Any junk business to bring in cash to fund we-all-know-what. You want money, start talking about selling Adams Farm which I did vote for but now regret. Sell the old East Walpole library. No new building since 1965? No wonder the town looks junky. Just look at East Walpole. Shamefully run down. The Bird Tower should be torn down. It is a disgrace. The whole area is nothing to be proud of.

Why not move to a better area?

[Unregistered]

I'm not hysterical, but your response to a little sarcasm is. I'm tired of getting my pocket picked to pay for others who spend more than can be afforded. MA sales tax is going up, incease in gas tax, rising property taxes with falling house prices and I can't help but think who will have their hand out next. During a time when every household is trying to make due with what we have, cutting corners, raising children and worried about losing jobs, I think a 11mil. library is just unresoponsible spending. My family and I actually use the library quite often and would still continue to use it, as is. Look around the town, many buildings are in desperate shape, but revitalizing the town cannot always fall on the backs of property owners. So yes, if everything keeps going up, including unemployment, homelessness isn't that far off the relm. I already know of may people selling, just look at all the signs around town.

BTW-For 11mil. I have to bring my own coffee and sit at a table under the stairs?
Outrageous!

[Unregistered]

All the commotion over the library is embarassing. To the outside world, it sounds like "Down with learning and We don't need no library". All from a town with a median family income of $106,636 according to a CNN money report. It has become as sad as the bickering over the "Rebel" name.

This isn't about a library. In my opinion, it's about a quest for a senior center with a series of letters raising diversions and "what ifs" to defeat the library override question. That's what I could read into the letters published in the Times. If the argument about the Voter said NO was sincere, then opponents in same breath would not be talking about a police station. The voters had said NO already on that police station override.

Then there was the matter of stormwater issue and its costs which also be a factor for the senior center since it would be in the same area.

Then the topic of being able to afford $70 and the waste of taxpayer money. A recount costs money and so does another election. Another contradiction.

It's time for those one or two people who who have stirred the pot to stop the politics of divisiveness. This isn't about affordability for them.

This is one YES vote who isn't fooled.

[Unregistered]

When the majority of people who decide to vote generally agree with the positions I take for the direction of the town why would my family move?

On the other hand if Walpole voters had embraced CPV and twice rejected the library my family very well might have made the choice to move.

The question I have is if the majority of the voters are not voting like you then why don't you move?

[Unregistered]

Why not move to a better area?

And I thought it would be un-civil to remind the sore "NO" voters that they have the option to move to a town with lower property taxes. But since you bring it up, you might consider moving to a town with lower real estate taxes and spending priorities more in line with your personal philosophy.

[Unregistered]

Look at who wants to start a recount:

http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/news/x1810246117/Recount-expected-in-Walpoles-library-vote

[Unregistered]

Somebody emailed Fox news congratulating Gene and the people of Walpole on the new library, which was met by a bit of shock by the majority of the on air staff. When asked why Walpole needed a new library, Gene Levanchy said "there isn't enough parking". He also mentioned that his father in law, who apparently spends a considerable amount of time in libraries, said that the Walpole Library was one of the nicer ones around and was quite sufficient.

I'm sure it will be mentioned again tomorrow. I know of at least one email that was sent to Fox pointing out a few other things about "the friendly town".

And your sarcasm is not lost on me. And I'd tell you what to do with it, but that wouldn't get posted. I'm sorry my opinion isn't the same as yours. That's why they're called opinions. I too was busy, but stopped to listen when the embarassment was brought up.

It sounds to me like Gene Lavanchy embarrassed nobody but himself. I usually find him to be a good reporter and on-air personality, but it sounds like he is grossly uninformed about the actual state of the library.

When I lived in Norwood some 35 years ago, it was no small secret that a large number of Walpole residents were using the Norwood Public Library instead of the Walpole Library. The professional librarians on staff in Norwood spoke of the horrible conditions at the Walpole library and lamented the fact that a community could place so little importance on education and public services.

Since that time, Norwood has completely renovated their beautiful library to add more public space and make the building more accessible and energy efficient. Meanwhile, Walpole hasn't lifted a single finger to make any significant repairs/improvements to our own library. It is a disgrace, and anyone who knows anything about what a library should be can immediately recognize the longstanding inadequacies of the situation.

I'm not sure what your point is about Fox News. First you seem to lament the fact that we "looked foolish" yesterday, but then you revel in some juicy e-mail sent to Fox that is designed to further embarrass us? Maybe you could decide whether you are supporting or trashing your town before you start typing next time?

[Unregistered]

I was reading that many people feel that the maximum amount of 1.29 a week will put people in the poorhouse.
That says to me that we need more affordable housing in Walpole .. bring on the 40B’s!

[Unregistered]

I too saw Monday mornings Fox show. The library was brought up on several occassions. Gene did say the reason for the new library was lack of parking. VB even asked if it was OK to talk about personal matters and Gene said he could read the emails about the library. He also stated, that his father-in-law, whom frequents the library often, says we have one of the best around. I don't think he was trying to make the town look foolish, obviously we can do that by ourselves, voting for an 11million dollar library in this economy.

[Unregistered]

Remember you property values in Walpole dropped an average of 19% yet, property values in Norwood and Westwood went up. Says it all doesn't it! Keep bringing in more junk business and this place will look like some town in the Blue Ridge Mountains of West Virginia and it will not matter what area of Town you live in.

It's about time we voted for something decent that we can all be proud to have in this Town.

[Unregistered]

I drive a car with 116,000 miles on it. I live in a house accessed @ 600,000 which I'd be lucky to get 450, for. I have a child in college and another on their way. I have three kids in braces. I pay bus fees, sports fees, music fees and any other fee asked of me. My nest egg has shrunken dramaticly, while my food bill as increased substantually. So, please forgive me if a multimillion dollar library isn't high on my priority list. We are in tough times and should not be asked to stretch our buck any further for non neccessities. Nor should I have to defend my decision to individuals whom think its barbaric to oppose a new library. post 102 make room at your table you may have a roomate.

[Unregistered]

or should I say caveman. That was a long time ago, can we move on.



I hope that you are not a woman. The only reason you are even able to vote is because the citizens and legislators of this country kept persuing a woman's right to vote, despite numerous defeats. Thank goodness democracy allows things to be re-visited.

By the way, the library is not a "taj mahal" so get the facts. Also, the library proposal was modidfied, and the trustees had a responsability to bring it back to the voters before we lost $4.5 mil in grant monety which expires in December. Once again,... thank goodness for persistence. Obviously the tax payers liked what they heard and changed their mind. We are entitled.

[Unregistered]

As I'm reading all these posts, I'm ashamed to even be placing a post here, but what the hell. It just amazes me how you all seem to jump on each other at the first instance, bashing each other, over and over again. To me, the 30,000 person, simply made a typo...maybe they meant 20K?? But, I don't think they were basing the question on the turnout, but the margin. 9 votes? I too think that maybe there should at least be a recount to quash any "whispers of conspiracy." The Taj Majal...a woman? maybe, but why the insults? Each and every post seems to go this way.

I have been a resident of Walpole for over 20 years. Granted, I'm not a life-long resident as some of these posters are, but still, that's a long time in one place. I moved here when my youngest was in elementary school and now my grandchild is entering elementary school in another 2 years. That's a lifetime. Anyway, over the years here, I've seen this town fight over one issue after another after another. And none of them have been particularly pleasant. No matter what the issue has been whether its a new high school addition, Adams Farm, the police/fire station, Town Hall, power plant, Library, etc., etc., there has not been one time that the voters in this town have "resoundly" agreed on ANYTHING.

So people, how about we put on our big girl/boy pants and just agree to disagree and stop bashing your neighbors?? We all have to live together, don't we? Don't our children (and grandchildren) play at the same swingsets? Is your son going to date my daughter? We are a family....let's begin to act like the grownups we profess to be. Are there issues that need to be addressed about our government? Yes...but please tell me where there aren't? I'll pack my bags and move tomorrow where the rainbow will land in my own back yard and yield that pot of gold. If not, do the recount and if, in fact, the library vote passed, so be it. If that's not the result you wanted, gee....how about next time you actually cast your ballot?

Oh...and despite being an avid reader, for my own personal reasons, I voted no. (both times)

[Unregistered]

The police station was built in 1881. It is my understanding that the fire station was build in the 50s. But what do I know? I've only worked there for 20 years.

[Unregistered]

Look at who wants to start a recount:

http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/news/x1810246117/Recount-expected-in-Walpoles-library-vote


What I found interesting about this article was that the Town Clerk indicated he was confident in the result because the machines operate at 99% accuracy. With 5,538 votes cast on the library that would mean there is a margin of error of +/- 55 votes. Well above the 9 vote difference. Shouldn't that in itself prompt a recount?

To get the vote difference within the margin of error of these machines there would have had to have been 800 or fewer votes in total (i.e. 8 is 1% of 800)

[Unregistered]

"I drive a car with 116,000 miles on it. I live in a house accessed @ 600,000 which I'd be lucky to get 450, for. I have a child in college and another on their way. I have three kids in braces. I pay bus fees, sports fees, music fees and any other fee asked of me. My nest egg has shrunken dramaticly, while my food bill as increased substantually. So, please forgive me if a multimillion dollar library isn't high on my priority list. We are in tough times and should not be asked to stretch our buck any further for non neccessities. Nor should I have to defend my decision to individuals whom think its barbaric to oppose a new library. post 102 make room at your table you may have a roomate." But, if times are so tough, why do you scrimp and save to pay for music fees, and sports fees? Because you have acknowledged the value that these pursuits can bring to your children? But you refuse to acknowledge the value a joy of learning and reading can also bring to you and your children..at a tiny fraction of the cost you dole out so your kids can be good Rebels? Is it a multimillion dollar library for your family? No, but you get to enjoy it for less than $70 a year. You already pay for many non-necessities, including the tolls. You chose to post, no one asked you to defend your position, quit whining. How many people live in a $600k house? Where was your interest before the vote?

[Unregistered]

Ok, I'm going to kind of shoot from the hip here. I've been following this as long as anyone, and I'm going to give my opinions without coming across as a complete jerk, which I have done on occasion, and for that I apologize. Again.

I am a firefighter in Walpole. I know some of you just rolled your eyes and said "here comes another one of "them". The greedy, selfish ones". You're entitled to your opinion, as I am entitled to mine. They may differ. They probably will. All part of this thing we call democracy.I grew up in town, went through all the schools. I was the last class in Plimpton, the last class in Bird, and actually, the library was my first job as a kid. Do I think we need a library? I honestly do. I've spent more time in the library as an adult than I did as a kid. Going there to study to take the entrance exam for the fire department, again when I went to paramedic school, and again when I tested for promotions. For the purposes I used it for, it was more than sufficient. A nice quiet place to study without interruption of day to day life. Someplace I could stay focused without the temptation of turning on the radio, the ballgame, or whatever the case may be.

Do I think we need a NEW library? Not right now. Not when the town is laying off teachers, firefighters, DPW workers, and leaving needed police openings vacant. (Yes, I know, this is where it gets personal). I just don't feel that the town has their priorities in order when it comes to certain things. I understand that there is the whole reimbursement from the state issue, and all the other "why's", but I still think it's wrong, just as I thought it was wrong that the fact that there would be no fireworks caused the uproar that it did, while guys I work with are worried what they're going to do about a job July 2nd, let alone the 3rd.

To all of you who fought so hard to get the new library passed, I congratulate you. I know it was a hard fought battle, and you still have to listen to people like me who don't agree with it. Obviously my opinions are a couple of days late, and wouldn't have swayed anyone anyway. Just as yours didn't sway me.

I can already predict a few of the responses to my post. "Maybe if the firefighters union made concessions there wouldn't be cuts...yada, yada, yada." I assure you, there is so much more to the story than any of you are aware, and of course I am not at liberty to discuss such things.

I don't even really know why I posted this, I just needed to get it off my chest and try and make people understand that it's not always a case of Say No to Everything. Yes, it's very personal to me, and it's more frustrating than I can find the words to describe. But it is what it is I guess, and there isn't anything that can be done about it now.

[Unregistered]

Personally, I think bus, sports and activity fees are unconscionable in a public school. It is just wrong.

[Unregistered]

What can I say? What a bunch of miserable skinflints live in this town.
The same people who are now clamoring that we need a new public safety building are most likely the ones that shot it down in the first place!
I voted for it and I will continue to vote for anything the lifts this town above the shabby image it has now.
Some do not want to part with one red cent to invest in Walpole, what a sad legacy.

[Unregistered]

I voted no the first time and yes the second time because I had more information. I'm glad I did. I have gone to the libraries in Norfolk, Medfield, and Norwood and there is no comparison to our outdated building.

I found the quiet campaign against the library to be disingenuous (to be kind) with all sorts of issues raised that had nothing to do with the library proposal. That is what totally convinced me to vote Yes. When I read the names attached to letters against the library and an override,and it's usually the same names against overrides, I understood what was going on.

We should be proud of finally having a new building that will serve residents of every age for a dollar amount that is not going to create homeless residents. I look forward to the ribbon cutting ceremony and thank those who have worked for so long for a library in the face of invisible opposition.

If you are so firm in your NO conviction then come out of hiding.

[Unregistered]

First of all, I'm not whining. I'm just stressing that there is only so much to go around. I do not have to defend why I voted no on the post, but I do when I'm out in public and someone shoves the library issue (before and after vote) in my face. Apparently, in the eyes of many people, I'm not a decent parent or I don't care what happens to this town, if I vote no. The only reason I brought up the accessed value of my house is because It is going to cost me a lot more than "a cup of coffee a day" on my tax bill. And yes I am very fortunate to live in a 600, house, but I worked my a** off to get here and already pay my fair share of taxes. Oh almost forgot, I'm selfemployed and have to pay my own health insurance for a family, another $1,500 a month. BooHoo

[Unregistered]

What can I say? What a bunch of miserable skinflints live in this town.
The same people who are now clamoring that we need a new public safety building are most likely the ones that shot it down in the first place!
I voted for it and I will continue to vote for anything the lifts this town above the shabby image it has now.
Some do not want to part with one red cent to invest in Walpole, what a sad legacy.

Thats it! Call the new mascot at the high school the SkinFLints....ooops, sorry. Wrong thread. :)

[Unregistered]

What I found interesting about this article was that the Town Clerk indicated he was confident in the result because the machines operate at 99% accuracy.

Really? What I found interesting about that article is that James P. Taylor claims to know "for a fact" the vote will be overturned. How could he possibly know such a thing?

It's one thing to call for an honest recount; quite a different thing to accuse our election officials and the town clerk of fraud. I think Mr. Taylor should make a very public apology.

[Unregistered]

Why not move to a better area?

Why don't you move to a cheaper, more run down area, since that is what you are trying to create?

[Unregistered]

I'm not hysterical, but your response to a little sarcasm is. I'm tired of getting my pocket picked to pay for others who spend more than can be afforded. MA sales tax is going up, incease in gas tax, rising property taxes with falling house prices and I can't help but think who will have their hand out next. During a time when every household is trying to make due with what we have, cutting corners, raising children and worried about losing jobs, I think a 11mil. library is just unresoponsible spending. My family and I actually use the library quite often and would still continue to use it, as is. Look around the town, many buildings are in desperate shape, but revitalizing the town cannot always fall on the backs of property owners. So yes, if everything keeps going up, including unemployment, homelessness isn't that far off the relm. I already know of may people selling, just look at all the signs around town.

BTW-For 11mil. I have to bring my own coffee and sit at a table under the stairs?
Outrageous!

You will never be happy. First it was a "Taj Mahal", now that it is not... it is not good enough for you. I am tired of getting my pocket picked by people like you. People who are unwilling to invest in our own town. Property values are going down in this town like a stone. Far worse than surrounding towns. When you don't take care of things, they plummet in value. My house is my biggest investment, This town is where I live. I choose not to live in decrepit squalor.

The dirt business you want (aka "revitalizing the town cannot fall on the backs of property owners") is also a recipe for disaster. make a few prudent investments now, and show even a small amount of judgment when it comes to the asthetics of our town, and it will repay YOU and ME ten fold.

[Unregistered]

I too saw Monday mornings Fox show. The library was brought up on several occassions. Gene did say the reason for the new library was lack of parking. VB even asked if it was OK to talk about personal matters and Gene said he could read the emails about the library. He also stated, that his father-in-law, whom frequents the library often, says we have one of the best around. I don't think he was trying to make the town look foolish, obviously we can do that by ourselves, voting for an 11million dollar library in this economy.

No one who uses thte Walpole Library would say it is as good as any around. Have you been to Norwood. How about little old Norfolk. We are out of our league, I have been in the Library when water is pouring through the ceiling, and kids are climbing over teenagers. It is a disgrace. Respectfully Gene, you are out of touch. Parking is the least of our worries.

[Unregistered]

I drive a car with 116,000 miles on it. I live in a house accessed @ 600,000 which I'd be lucky to get 450, for. I have a child in college and another on their way. I have three kids in braces. I pay bus fees, sports fees, music fees and any other fee asked of me. My nest egg has shrunken dramaticly, while my food bill as increased substantually. So, please forgive me if a multimillion dollar library isn't high on my priority list. We are in tough times and should not be asked to stretch our buck any further for non neccessities. Nor should I have to defend my decision to individuals whom think its barbaric to oppose a new library. post 102 make room at your table you may have a roomate.

You are off base on real estate values for assessed and sell price, you would probably get 600,000 (so long as it is not a dump). Stop having kids if you are so poor. Music and sports are choices, just as is the library. I am certainly paying more than my fair share for your kids education. The library will actually help your home value. Turning this town into a dump with dirty business and crappy infastructure is what is killing your nest egg. Smarten up.

[Unregistered]

What can I say? What a bunch of miserable skinflints live in this town.
The same people who are now clamoring that we need a new public safety building are most likely the ones that shot it down in the first place!
I voted for it and I will continue to vote for anything the lifts this town above the shabby image it has now.
Some do not want to part with one red cent to invest in Walpole, what a sad legacy.

I actually voted for the library, but I am sick of a certain miserable pro-library group who are continually "challenging" people to join their cause, and stop complaining about their fixed incomes and pony up because it could not possible be THAT BAD, and while you're at it, take a good ,hard look around at the dump of a town where we are living--because there are people to blame for it, and you're one of them if you dare oppose the library. I voted for the library for many reasons, but none of them had anything to do with the miserable banter from a select few that seemed to feel those who had any questions or concerns re: the library were going to be personally responsible for our town continuing to be a wasteland.

I live in a nice town, with kind and good-hearted people, good schools that are loaded with great teachers, and a slew of fire and police officers who have shown my family nothing but service, protection, and kindness in the few instances where we have needed them. Our town is going through a lot of growing pains, struggling to decide what it wants to be while also in the midst of a giant budget crisis, but it is certain people, who are constantly pushing their views in such an aggressive manner, who will continually hold us back because their tactics just don't work. As someone else so eloquently put it, we are all in this together. A little kindness and understanding goes a long way. There was a certain crew of pro-library folks who would freak out if you even asked a simple question....and I was on their side! I understand they have been through a huge ordeal to get where they are now, but honestly, you didn't help your cause beyond those of us who were already supportive of the library.

I would also like to add that I was stunned at the 9 vote spread--what an incredible lesson for everyone who doesn't believe their vote counts.

[Unregistered]

What will we do with the old library building after the new one is built? I have a solution to this perplexing problem. Why not re-furbish the building and call it the Skinflint Residence.
We could re-configure the building to house all the skinflints in town because this over ride will cause great financial hardship to many Walpole residence. Some people have said that they can't afford this miniscule tax hike to build a new building that will give a sense of pride.
Many have said that while being on a limited income they may just go broke. I seldom use the library, but I see the value that it adds to a town.

[Unregistered]

The library vote made it to the ballot again because the design was modified so that the final bill would be less... it was a different proposal for a different library. Some people infer that it was the same exact proposal a few months later (can we have it? how about now? now?)... that's simply not true.

I love the library, use it often... sure, I get the books I need as do my kids for their school projects... but if we don't do something, we'll lose the library altogether and that would be a shame for those of us who do use it. And based on the number of cars lining Common St. most afternoons, there are plenty of us who use it.

I'm not insensitive to the financial crisis we as a people, a town and a country are in.. I'm well aware and am affected daily, as is everyone on this board. We need to carefully pick and choose our causes... what means most to us? What do we feel is worth supporting? I cross my fingers that we get through this crisis quickly, learn from it and prosper once again as a people, a town and a country. Amen!

I will continue to pay for those causes in which I am involved and interested... the library, youth sports, music programs, the disabled veterans, homelessness, my church and the fireworks, to name a few! I will have to tighten my belt and make concessions elsewhere... but this is what we do as adults. I watched my parents forego many things (new cars, vacations, even new shoes or a nice dinner out) so that I and my siblings could go to camp, play in the band, go to college... and you know, they were never rich monetarily, but they reaped the rich benefits of giving us what they deemed as useful and worthwhile.

Pay it forward...

[Unregistered]

Why couldn't we sell the old library to the COA for $1? They could remodel it to their liking with the private funds they have raised. That would make everyone happy.

[Unregistered]

My hope is that the people who did not vote for the new enjoy it as much as those who did.

[Unregistered]

Quote:
What can I say? What a bunch of miserable skinflints live in this town.

What a mature, charitable attitude. I love that people can have a different opinion and not be attacked.

[Unregistered]

to Post #147: and some people don't have the money to part with in the first place...

[Unregistered]

Why couldn't we sell the old library to the COA for $1? They could remodel it to their liking with the private funds they have raised. That would make everyone happy.


That's actually a really good idea. Oh, wait. It will never work. Why you ask? Because it's a really good idea.

[Unregistered]

Well spoken! I'm disgusted that this got approved in these times, when people are trying to put food on their tables. Some people think that everything is all about them, grow up already and look around you! If you need a bigger kids room for story time, grab a book and go over to Blackburn Hall!

[Unregistered]

no it's not a good idea because according to everything that has been put out there to the public the building needs way too much work, its not handicap accessible, there is no parking, the heat doesn't work properly, the a/c doesn't work properly, the roof leaks, no elevator, etc. etc. If this wasn't the case we wouldn't need a new library, would we? If we didn't have the money to fix it when it was a library, we certainly wouldn't have the money to fix it for anything else. So what we will have is a big empty building that will have to be kept heated, etc.

[Unregistered]

I love the idea! It makes sense!...it will never fly:)

The "campaign" of mis-information against the library is driven by the desire of a few to have a senior center on the library's new spot. That is all this is about, and they will use any argument available to undermine the library's efforts. They are trying to call it the "taj mahal", saying that times are to tight.... Yet they want the same site to build a state of the art facility that will serve less than a tenth of the towns population.

The irony is, that the current libarary that serves the entire town young and old, all of is crammed in there sideways. This "perfectly suitable" building for all of us to continue on with will never be up to the "standards" of the Senior Center leadership. But it's OK for the rest of the masses.?.?.?

[Unregistered]

Why don't you move to a cheaper, more run down area, since that is what you are trying to create?

I like it here just fine. Old library and all.

[Unregistered]

I think it is sad that we have approved a library when the teachers of this town have been attacked for not taking more of a share in paying their health insurance (which is really a pay cut). How can the children read the library books when there are not enough teachers to teach them to read! I get the idea of looking ahead to the future, but honestly, I think the kids are the future.

[Unregistered]

I like it here just fine. Old library and all.

Me to. I like it just fine. New Library and all.

So don't tell me to move. You can move.

[Unregistered]

Speaking of sad, I think it's sad that voters still don't understand that borrowing to build a library or any other building has nothing to do with the positions of teachers, firemen, and police officers.

Even if voters had said NO to the library, the town would not have been able to save any positions.

One has nothing to do with the other.

I have heard so many reasons to vote no but it is really all about the money and there are those voters who don't want to spend about $70. That's okay with me. I can understand that. I find especially amusing the quotes and letters in the paper about affordability from those who can well afford $70 and then some.

[Unregistered]

Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal for his late wife. It was a labor of love. The new library has been a labor of love for a dedicated group of people spanning more than ten years. There is nothing lovely about the way these people have been treated by some of ther fellow residents.

You would think they were building some obnoxious facility that was going to cost us $500 a year. Cripe, it's a library. Can we get behind something positive for a change instead of fighting for the sake of fighting and grinding an axe?

Judging from these posts, we need a library to look up the meaning of certain words: community, commitment, collaboration.

[Unregistered]

I'm well aware of how the system works. Remember, I said I worked at the library and went to Walpole schools. I are smart. Did I say anything about "instead of?" No, I simply said that the priorities in this town are screwed up. Try and pay attention.

[Unregistered]

re post 165
Don't forget that the library need three times as much space a the senior center is proposing. It seems likely that the older half of the library could be torn down, increasing parking and allowing for handicap provisions to be incorporated. Then, the much smaller building might be feasible to renovate as a senior center . It's certainly worth considering. It would probably make the neighbors feel better as well.

[Unregistered]

"Speaking of sad, I think it's sad that voters still don't understand that borrowing to build a library or any other building has nothing to do with the positions of teachers, firemen, and police officers."



How can anyone say that 6 million dollars + interest borrowing costs in the operating budget has nothing to do with laying off teachers and police and firefighters? Are you serious? it's hard to even respond to that other than to say at least be honest and talk about the new staff and all the other expenses it will take to operate a much larger building - or is that all going to be "free money" from the state too? Who do you think you're fooling? I'm sorry. By questioning the script, I must be one of those people dragging down the town because I don''t appreciate that a shiny new building will make it all better for you.

I'm real real happy you're doing so well. It's pathetic that some of you are ridiculing those that aren't doing as well as you fianancially. I'd say try putting yourself in their shoes,but why bother.

Calling people skinflints? Makes you real proud to live in WALPOLE -THE FRIENDLY TOWN!!

[Unregistered]

what about those that don't have the $70??

[Unregistered]

I voted against the library too, but the bottom line is more people that wanted it came out and voted. That is a hard lesson to learn, but.....

[Unregistered]

I think it is sad that we have approved a library when the teachers of this town have been attacked for not taking more of a share in paying their health insurance (which is really a pay cut). How can the children read the library books when there are not enough teachers to teach them to read! I get the idea of looking ahead to the future, but honestly, I think the kids are the future.

Thats right, kids are the future. And a teacher's excessive health insurance does nothing to help them. They need a well rounded environment in which to grow mentally, physically, and spiritually. I am sick of the one issue people in this town. I have been turned OFF of supporting schools by comments like yours. You really turn me off to what used to be an important cause to me.

[Unregistered]

Speaking of sad, I think it's sad that voters still don't understand that borrowing to build a library or any other building has nothing to do with the positions of teachers, firemen, and police officers.

Even if voters had said NO to the library, the town would not have been able to save any positions.

One has nothing to do with the other.

I have heard so many reasons to vote no but it is really all about the money and there are those voters who don't want to spend about $70. That's okay with me. I can understand that. I find especially amusing the quotes and letters in the paper about affordability from those who can well afford $70 and then some.

I agree. All of this discussion about saving positions is uninformed. We need to be more that a one issue town. I want more than teachers. I want decent infastructure too. If I don't get it I will never vote for schools again.

[Unregistered]

Sad

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I think it is sad that we have approved a library when the teachers of this town have been attacked for not taking more of a share in paying their health insurance (which is really a pay cut). How can the children read the library books when there are not enough teachers to teach them to read! I get the idea of looking ahead to the future, but honestly, I think the kids are the future Huh? How dare anyone in these tough economic times dare ask the teachers to tighten their own belts and contribute to the spiraling healthcare costs. The nerve of this town. I am sure it is a last straw situation, where teachers are going to say enough is enough and change professions because of this insult. Besides the fact that this outrage has nothing at all to do with the library issue, it also is shocking to think that someone who has all of July and August off dare complain about the horrors of a pay cut.

[Unregistered]

Maybe some of the people you refer to "can" afford the $70, but would rather hold on to it until they feel comfortable that the economy has turned, maybe they would like to invest "their" money in something else. I also love how you say people can afford the $70. How do you know, by looking at them? Don't you know what has created this finacial mess? People living beyond their means. I know so many people, by looking at them, you would think they have it all together, nice car, house, always dress to a T, olny to find out everything is on credit and they don't have the money to back up the lifestyle. We need to scale down and stop trying to keep up with the Jones'


A new library is not in place other jobs, it comes from a different budget. Ours

[Unregistered]

Speaking of sad, I think it's sad that voters still don't understand that borrowing to build a library or any other building has nothing to do with the positions of teachers, firemen, and police officers.

Even if voters had said NO to the library, the town would not have been able to save any positions.

One has nothing to do with the other.

I have heard so many reasons to vote no but it is really all about the money and there are those voters who don't want to spend about $70. That's okay with me. I can understand that. I find especially amusing the quotes and letters in the paper about affordability from those who can well afford $70 and then some.

Well said. There are a lot of people throwing around a lot of bogus reasons to not build a library right now. The library does not have anything to do with the police or fire stations, or with municipal layoffs, or with the fireworks. Defeating the override would not have made more funds available for any other purpose.

I am particularly shocked by the person complaining about their $600K home. In my experience that buys a lot of house in this town, so if you can afford to live in such a house, you can absolutely afford to pay a few extra $ per year to enhance the educational infrastructure that your family uses so heavily. The best way to preserve the value of your home is to invest in public infrastructure, so you should make out pretty well once the new library is built. I can't believe that you would pay fees so the students in your family can play sports and music, but you won't pay a slight tax increase to preserve accreditation of the school system they attend?

You may not want to pay more taxes, but don't even try to pretend that I should have sympathy for your budgeting woes if you purchased a home in that price range. The current economic crisis was caused in part by people who took out crippling mortgages on enormous homes that they did not need and could not afford. If you can afford your home then you can certainly afford the negligible cost of this library.

I can appreciate that there are some residents in this town who are legitimately stretched for every dollar, but this is ridiculous. If you can afford to make regular mortgage and tax payments on your home then you will not even notice this increase when it kicks in 2 or 3 years from now. And if you can't afford to make your existing payments then you really can't blame the library override for the fact that you've been living beyond your means all this time.

Go ask the town for a property tax waiver if you must, but stop holding the rest of us back.

[Unregistered]

no it's not a good idea because according to everything that has been put out there to the public the building needs way too much work, its not handicap accessible, there is no parking, the heat doesn't work properly, the a/c doesn't work properly, the roof leaks, no elevator, etc. etc. If this wasn't the case we wouldn't need a new library, would we? If we didn't have the money to fix it when it was a library, we certainly wouldn't have the money to fix it for anything else. So what we will have is a big empty building that will have to be kept heated, etc.

The existing site is too small to satisfy the needs of a public library. That is why it would cost so much to bring the current library into compliance. But the needs of a senior center or any of the other possible uses for this property would not be as great. It would not be nearly as expensive to put the right use into the old library building as it would be to shoe-horn an adequate library onto that tiny lot.

Susan Maguire and the Friends of the Council on Aging have promised to build the new senior center "at no cost to the taxpayers." They have raised private funding (though nobody outside their group knows how much) for the purpose of building a new senior center to replace the one in Town Hall. So selling the old library to the FCOA makes great sense, because the taxpayers will not have to pay for rehabilitation of this aging structure. And the FCOA would get a wonderful downtown location for their new senior center.

My only problem is that if the town donates or sells any property to the FCOA at below-market rates, that DOES count as a taxpayer expense. I am not personally opposed to this, but I think the FCOA should disclose the results of their fundraising efforts before they involve the town in any further discussions about which site(s) would be suitable. It simply is not fair to the taxpayers to have Susan Maguire meddling in other public projects that might interfere with the senior center if they will not come clean with us about the feasibility of their project.

If the FCOA is not interested in the old library site, I am certain the town can find a private developer who would pay fair market value for a prime residential lot on beautiful Common Street. Retiring the old library will prove to be a windfall to the town, one way or another.

[Unregistered]

The town let the East Walpole Civic Association lease the library for a nominal fee and they were supposed to maintain it. That didn't happen and several times, Town Meeting had to approve spending for maintenance of the building. I hope that the private funding of a new senior center isn't an empty promise.

I don't understand the secrecy around how much money has been raised. It was not good public policy to promise a private citizen public land for the construction of a public building without some level of accountability. The BOS should take control of this project, apply for a state grant just like many surrounding towns did, and stop the politics of divisiveness. Like many others posters have mentioned, the effort to defeat the library override was about the senior center. Every imaginable objection was raised whether founded or unfounded to raise doubt.

[Unregistered]

I am well aware that even without the library there wouldn't have been jobs saved. My point is really quite simple. The priorities in the town of Walpole are screwed up. People barely bat an eye with layoffs, but you'd have thought we were fighting off an enemy invasion to get the fireworks and a new library.

[Unregistered]

The Library building is a falling apart building. Is now the right time to build a new library, who really knows. We have a grant from the state which is incredible. I would love for the library not to cost as much but I have no idea what construction of a new library costs. This is the first building in this town that will be new. Not covered by a bandaid/not remodeled, but new. I hope our town inspectors due their job to the fullest. This building should exceed all safety building codes, not just meet. I hope our contractor is better than the one we used for the remodeled highschool, seriously. The landscaping at the highschool was a joke and I am sure there are some flaws with the construction that we are not aware of. I know by law I believe the town has to take the lowest price but I hope we are comparing apples to apples. Also we already approved an override for the teachers several years back lets give something else in our town a turn.

As for teachers taking a pay cut to save another teacher, I think they should do it. I have children in the Walpole School System and it seems the new teachers receive the pink slip while the teachers with tenure are still in. The new teachers making 1/2 the amount as the existing teachers and work very hard to keep their jobs. I think our principals should be accountable for the MCAS scores. If the scores decrease they should be put on a warning status. If the scores do not improve the following year they should be fired. Part of their pay should be bonus (MCAS scores improving) plus salary. As for an override for the school system, I will not vote for one unless we have exhausted all alternatives for reducing costs, including teachers taking a pay cut, sister schools and yes privatizing our cafs. Remember, teachers make great money now. It is not like in the olden days where they really made no money. Teachers with 9 years of experience and an MBA make over 75,000. Some people might not think that is alot, hello. These teachers have 12 weeks off if not more. Their sick time is rolled over to the following year and they receive a pension, which is unheard of in a private sector. I worked for a 11 years in a top notch company making $75K , 4 weeks off, working 60 hours a week, no pension and I had to pay 70% of my health insurance. My job was also not guaranteed. Also, if teaching is so bad why is the turn for teachers leaving their jobs so low? I know nursing has a high turnover but seriously I never hear about teachers. This is the best job if you have children, wake up and smell the coffee. You are in school when they are in school and you are off when they are off.

[Unregistered]

How about a nice resteraunt? I keep hearing we need business. The old library site is a pefect location for a retail oriented business. No housing there. What's good enough for one side of town is goo enough for everywhere in town.

[Unregistered]

Yes, I am a woman but I don't see how that matters here. We are all entitled to our opinions. There is nothing unfactual about what I said. I don't see why we needed to vote on it again 6 months later at an election in which we knew we would not get the same turnout as we did for the presidential election in Nov. A library can be built for far less than $11.2mm. That seems rather extreme in this economy which was the point I was making. If you don't like what I have to say, please ignore it but don't cut it down or ask what sex I am.
I hope that you are not a woman. The only reason you are even able to vote is because the citizens and legislators of this country kept persuing a woman's right to vote, despite numerous defeats. Thank goodness democracy allows things to be re-visited.

By the way, the library is not a "taj mahal" so get the facts. Also, the library proposal was modidfied, and the trustees had a responsability to bring it back to the voters before we lost $4.5 mil in grant monety which expires in December. Once again,... thank goodness for persistence. Obviously the tax payers liked what they heard and changed their mind. We are entitled.

[Unregistered]

Lakeville, Mass., did just that: http://www.visitingnewengland.com/cafe-lakeville-massachusetts.html.

A great idea, instead of just having another empty building! How about a family-style restaurant? If we are a town with many families, I'm sure a family-style restaurant would help contribute to a more thriving downtown.


How about a nice resteraunt? I keep hearing we need business. The old library site is a pefect location for a retail oriented business. No housing there. What's good enough for one side of town is goo enough for everywhere in town.

[Unregistered]

what about those that don't have the $70??

$70.00 a year. Give me a break! Go out and add up your daily cups of coffee, even at McDonald's, and see how much you spend each year. It's called being cheap! This Town has nothing to be proud of and those who want to keep saying NO to everything, are causing more harm than good. MOVE FORWARD PEOPLE!

[Unregistered]

Again, I am not whining about a 600, home. I did not pay that much, but I am paying taxes on the accessed value. I brought it up in the first place because not everyone in town is going to have "a cup of coffee" added to their tax bill.
Wwhat about all the houses around at 800 -1 mil? Many people aren't making the money they used to or have been laid off. Noone wants your sympathy, but please understand, everything is not as it was, just a couple of years ago. Spending 6.2 million dollars is just not being fiscally responsible, right now.

[Unregistered]

Let's face it 70.00 a year is 1.29 a week!
A brand new building that will add to the value of our town for such a small amount.
To me and to others it is a no brainer. I agree with the 'skinflint' theory!
My only hope is that we can get as lucky concerning a public safety building.

[Unregistered]

OMG -enough of the rehashing and whining and complaining about $70 a YEAR. The yes vote won even if only by 9 votes. If there is a recount, then we'll see the final result. In Nov, when we lost, we were told to get over it. And that's what I'll say now.

[Unregistered]

Again, I am not whining about a 600, home. I did not pay that much, but I am paying taxes on the accessed value. I brought it up in the first place because not everyone in town is going to have "a cup of coffee" added to their tax bill.
Wwhat about all the houses around at 800 -1 mil? Many people aren't making the money they used to or have been laid off. Noone wants your sympathy, but please understand, everything is not as it was, just a couple of years ago. Spending 6.2 million dollars is just not being fiscally responsible, right now.

In my mind, a $6.2 million library is the most fiscally responsible thing I have heard in a long time. I realize that many people are not making the money they used to, and I am among them. At the same time, the town should not be held hostage by folks who bought homes they cannot afford. I am making less, but I have always lived with-in my means. We did not over-extend on our home. If someone is living in an $800,000 home, then they should be prepared for the taxes, utilities, and up-keep that go along with it. That $70 turns into $120 for an $800,000 home. If this amount is significant, then you should not be in an $800,000 home. If you want to live larger, you pay larger. That's the way property taxes work.

This town is in decline. Those $1 million houses will never be worth their money if we do not rebuild our infastructure and schools. Those are the 2 biggest components of property value. Towns like Westwood, Wellesley, Dover, and Needham have continued to increase in value during these difficult times. Walpole is not in that league, nor will it likely ever be, but we are headed to the opposite end of the spectrum.

I am appalled at the idea that people who want to "impress" their peers with a million dollar home, somehow want to live on the cheap when it comes to the accoutraments that the average town deams necessary. Have you seen Norwood's library? How about Norfolk?

Yes times are tight. A major building project will create jobs. Construction costs are WAY down. There is a major grant available to Walpole for its library. There is NO BETTER TIME THAN NOW to build this library. The expense to taxpayers will not kick in for 2 to 3 years. I am sorry, you are entitled to your opinion, but your arguments just do not hold any water for me.

Some of the wealthiest among us are in fact the least willing to pay their way. If you ever want to get your money back on a $1 million house, then you better start investing in your own backyard. I spent less on my home, but I am happy to pay my way for solid public services,... I even donate to things like the fire works. And not because I am independently wealthy, but because I live with-in my means. I am not worried about impressing anyone with things I will struggle to pay for. I live a quiet life, which I try to fill with as much substance, quality, and value as possible. My community is worth as much as I am willing to invest. And I invest in more than one "stock", I am well diversified, and I know a good buy when I see one. The library will pay dividends for years to come

[Unregistered]

Even a recount won't be enough for the NO crowd. They will keep repeating the mantra of "The people said NO" and "Best two out of three." Just for the fun of it, here are the no votes excuses that we've heard so far...

1. The people said NO. (Exactly how long is the people's NO supposed to be for? Until the building falls down? Even the grand dame of East Walpole didn't heed the "people's NO" and ran again.)

2. Best two out of three.

3. The election was held on a day that didn't have as large a turn out as the presidential election. (And your point is? -- town elections are always held on the second saturday in June. Something that is strictly a New England concept, I might add. I didn't grow up here and I still remembered to vote. Are we not supposed to hold another override vote until the next presidential election? Past variations on this include 1. elections shouldn't be held in the winter because people are either in Florida or they won't come out in bad weather and 2. The election on September 11 shouldn't count because people were afraid to leave home. So I guess the only acceptable day for a town election would be every fourth November.)

3. The library is fine. (Actually, the library isn't FINE. We as a town are very lucky that no one has pushed the accessibility issue before now.)

4. Let's renovate the current building. (Any good civil engineer will tell you that it is cheaper to rebuild an older building rather than renovate, due to changes in building codes over the years.)

5. Walpole has its priorities wrong. We should be paying for teachers, police officers or fire fighters rather than a library. (Repeat after me, class, one has nothing to do with the other. Personally, I believe we should pay for both, but this VOTE was for the library. The people voted NO last year for an operating override. So far, apparently, we are listening to the people. See #1 above.)

6. The proposal is too expensive at $11 million. (We are slow learners. We aren't paying $11 million. We are paying $6. If we don't take the state money, the next community in line will be happy to take it off our hands. Oh wait, did you think that your state taxes would be reduced by pennies if we decline the state money?)

7. The proposal is too expensive at $6 million. It shouldn't cost that much to build a library. (News flash-- new home construction in Walpole can go for $1 million. For the equivalent of six houses in North Walpole, we get a new library for the next 30 years.)

8. No one uses libraries any more. Everything is on the internet or on Kindle. (A Kindle book is around $10. So seven Kindle books will pay for the $70 a year. Or you could cancel your $30 monthly internet fee and come use the library computers for free. Two- three months, your tax increase is paid. And people DO use the library, even more now in bad times than in good times. Stop by one of these days, you might actually learn something.)

9. We need a new police and fire station. (Yes, we do. And I'm willing to pay for it. How did you vote when that came up last year?)

10. We/I can't afford it. (There hasn't been an improvement made in Walpole yet that the Vote No crowd has been able to afford. In the past 15 years, I have yet to see legions of families living on Town Common or in Bird Park, so I guess they've ponied up the money somewhere.)

11. In these bad economic times, it is irresponsible to spend this much money. (Variation on #10 above. Apparently, there must be bad economic times every time an override votes is on the ballot.)

12. We are selfish and want to have it all. (My personal favorite. You're right. I was also selfish about Adams Farm, renovating the HS, purchasing Elm and renovating Boyden. I want a town that people want to live in, that offers good services, where everyone contributes for the common good.)

13. There are so many houses for sale that it's obvious that taxes are driving everyone out of town. (I also see an equal number of sold signs, so someone is buying the houses. Maybe it will be your worst nightmare and they'll be YES voters.)

[Unregistered]

#194-Thank you for a wonderful, insightful analysis of the arguments against.

[Unregistered]

How can anyone say that 6 million dollars + interest borrowing costs in the operating budget has nothing to do with laying off teachers and police and firefighters? Are you serious? it's hard to even respond to that other than to say at least be honest and talk about the new staff and all the other expenses it will take to operate a much larger building - or is that all going to be "free money" from the state too? Who do you think you're fooling? I'm sorry. By questioning the script, I must be one of those people dragging down the town because I don''t appreciate that a shiny new building will make it all better for you.

I'm real real happy you're doing so well. It's pathetic that some of you are ridiculing those that aren't doing as well as you fianancially. I'd say try putting yourself in their shoes,but why bother.

The "6 million dollars +" that you mention DOES NOT COME FROM THE TOWN'S OPERATING BUDGET!!! You are WRONG, WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!!!! Please learn the facts before you formulate an opinion. Is that too much to ask?

There are at least two reasons why the library override has nothing to do with layoffs of teachers, police, and firefighters:

1. The override does not take money away from the town's operating budget, so paying for a new library does not subtract money for salaries. Had the override failed, the town would still have the same operating budget, and would still be facing the same hard staffing cuts.

2. The new library has been designed to reduce staffing needs. There will be a self-checkout station at the circulation desk as well as other efficiencies in the design intended to make the new library easier to operate and maintain. There is no reason the new library cannot deliver better services with the same or smaller staff than the existing library.

All this speculation from the "NO" crowd about the library project could be easily answered if they would just bother to learn the first thing about this project. So far I have not heard one plausible explanation for their intense suspicion/hatred of this project. But just like Mr. Taylor who says he "knows for a fact" that the vote will be overturned, the vocal "NO" minority does not restrict themselves to speaking only the facts. They do not realize (or care) that hysterical speculation and wishful thinking do not add up to "fact." They will continue to spread FUD (fear, uncertainty, divisiveness) all over town until they get their selfish way.

And #195, you forgot my favorite BS reason from the "NO" crowd:
14. If you build the library there, where will I set up my lawn chair to watch the fireworks?

:rolleyes:

[Unregistered]

So I'm eating my Captain Crunch wondering who's really orgnizing this recount. James Paul Taylor got the petition at town hall, but it sure can't be him. I hope someone can please pull back the curtain so we can see the real wizard or wizardess behind it. This whole thing seems like a lot of trouble to go through to keep an imaginary senior center alive.

[Unregistered]

In my mind, a $6.2 million library is the most fiscally responsible thing I have heard in a long time. I realize that many people are not making the money they used to, and I am among them. At the same time, the town should not be held hostage by folks who bought homes they cannot afford. I am making less, but I have always lived with-in my means. We did not over-extend on our home. If someone is living in an $800,000 home, then they should be prepared for the taxes, utilities, and up-keep that go along with it. That $70 turns into $120 for an $800,000 home. If this amount is significant, then you should not be in an $800,000 home. If you want to live larger, you pay larger. That's the way property taxes work.

This town is in decline. Those $1 million houses will never be worth their money if we do not rebuild our infastructure and schools. Those are the 2 biggest components of property value. Towns like Westwood, Wellesley, Dover, and Needham have continued to increase in value during these difficult times. Walpole is not in that league, nor will it likely ever be, but we are headed to the opposite end of the spectrum.

Amen! You simply do not buy a house in that price range unless you are prepared to pay for it. My parents raised nine children in a 4-bedroom house that would probably sell for about $300K in today's market, so I can tell you there is nothing "necessary" about paying 3 or 4 times that much for a house in Walpole. If your house cost $600K or $1M then you clearly made a choice to pay for a few luxury items. If you did not have a secure nest egg to help you weather a bad economy, you should never have reached so far beyond your means.

I refuse to take financial advice from people who don't have the common sense to live within their means. I can afford this override, and anyone who can legitimately afford their home can afford this override. Anyone who cannot afford a tax increase can apply for a waiver from the town. So that leaves only those who can afford the override, but who are too "miserly" to pay for it.

So consider this:

If we keep neglecting our infrastructure, our property values will continue to decline. Those folks in homes valued at 2X or 3X the median value will suffer 2X to 3X the loss in property values. It will hurt you more than it will hurt me if we don't do this.

For less than one-quarter-of-one-percent of your home's value spread over 20 years, you can protect its value and your own investment. That's money well spent in my book!

[Unregistered]

I wonder who is helping James Paul Taylor with his recount petition. I wonder why he is gathering signatures since he is not a taxpayer and the library override doesn't affect him. I wonder how much it is going to cost the town to hire people to do the recount, use town counsel, and hire police.

[Unregistered]

I wonder who is helping James Paul Taylor with his recount petition. I wonder why he is gathering signatures since he is not a taxpayer and the library override doesn't affect him. I wonder how much it is going to cost the town to hire people to do the recount, use town counsel, and hire police.

I wonder if he is also going to call for a recount in his own write-in victory. He only won by 3 votes, well within the margin of error.

[Unregistered]

Regarding those who "didn't bother" to vote last week:

The November election was a historic election, and many people who do not usually come out to vote did so for that one. My guess is that there is a multitude of people who are housebound or bedridden or wheelchair dependent -- some elderly and handicapped who do not get out and around as easily as the rest of us -- people who are in nursing homes and need the assistance of caregivers to communicate and get out, or to obtain absentee ballots in order to vote. Because November was a presidential election, and a very historic one at that, I am sure that special efforts were made by relatives and nurses and other caregivers to assist those people to be able to vote.

This resulted in that election representing the overwhelming majority of voters. It is especially sad that those people's votes got literally thrown out! Because of their circumstances, those people cannot just pop over to the polling place every three months. And certainly their nurses and caregivers are not going to make the effort they did in November for this little minor town vote in June.

It is too bad that they had a chance to speak, and it was ignored. And they won't be able to get to vote again for a long time. Oh, that's right -- they "didn't bother" to...

Now, I know the library proponents have convinced themselves that THEY know what is best for the town. They quell any guilt feelings they might have by reminding themselves that "the town" won this "victory". But did the town really win?

After all, the measure of a society is how it treats its weakest members.

[Unregistered]

I just got around to reading the letters to the editor from June 4 and couldn't help but notice a glaring error in a letter written by Joseph C. Moraski, Pct.8. He wrote that the new library would cost $12 million and urged voters to get the facts. The cost of the new library is $11.2 million reduced from $12 million by $800,000 due to redesign and lower construction costs. So I would urge the writer to get the facts. And I ask why the Walpole Times doesn't edit letters that are factually incorrect.

[Unregistered]

I wonder who is helping James Paul Taylor with his recount petition. I wonder why he is gathering signatures since he is not a taxpayer and the library override doesn't affect him. I wonder how much it is going to cost the town to hire people to do the recount, use town counsel, and hire police.

Interesting point. The cost of James Taylor's recount will be borne by the town's operating budget. I wonder how many teachers, policemen, and firefighters will lose their jobs because of this out-of-budget expense? I guess it won't bother Taylor because, not being a Walpole taxpayer himself, he doesn't have to pay for it!

Oh, well. At least the "NO" crowd will have no excuses left after the recount validates the vote. And I'm going to have some fun recycling Susan Maguire quotes the next time she comes into town asking for land to build her senior center.

[Unregistered]

The cost of repaying the borrowed 6.2 million to build the library for 20 years does not affect the operating budget? WHERE DO YOU THINK IT COMES FROM???? It's a real simple question. Where is the money to repay the bond? Is it free? Are you even aware that the municipal operating budget has a budget where the borrowing costs are all included? Please answer.

"The override does not take money away from the town's operating budget, so paying for a new library does not subtract money for salaries. Had the override failed, the town would still have the same operating budget, and would still be facing the same hard staffing cuts."

Just so I understand, building a new building and all the expenses that go with it costs no extra money to the town every year. Then yoiu better find out what's going on at town hall because theyre raising your taxes to pay for something.

You would like people to actually believe that a much larger building will cost less to operate. Posts like yours screaming with your CAPITAL LETTERS "WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG!!!" IS IGNORANT IGNORANT IGNORANT IGNORANT!!!

Hopeless.

[Unregistered]

shouldn't matter what it costs for a recount because obviously the people in town have more than enough money.... My question is: if the library LOST by ten votes, wouldn't they ask for a recount? No doubt in my mind!

[Unregistered]

Regarding those who "didn't bother" to vote last week:

The November election was a historic election, and many people who do not usually come out to vote did so for that one. My guess is that there is a multitude of people who are housebound or bedridden or wheelchair dependent -- some elderly and handicapped who do not get out and around as easily as the rest of us -- people who are in nursing homes and need the assistance of caregivers to communicate and get out, or to obtain absentee ballots in order to vote. Because November was a presidential election, and a very historic one at that, I am sure that special efforts were made by relatives and nurses and other caregivers to assist those people to be able to vote.

This resulted in that election representing the overwhelming majority of voters. It is especially sad that those people's votes got literally thrown out! Because of their circumstances, those people cannot just pop over to the polling place every three months. And certainly their nurses and caregivers are not going to make the effort they did in November for this little minor town vote in June.

It is too bad that they had a chance to speak, and it was ignored. And they won't be able to get to vote again for a long time. Oh, that's right -- they "didn't bother" to...

Now, I know the library proponents have convinced themselves that THEY know what is best for the town. They quell any guilt feelings they might have by reminding themselves that "the town" won this "victory". But did the town really win?

After all, the measure of a society is how it treats its weakest members.

I would expect that the catastophically impared that you are speaking of, typically use an absentee ballot. I would also expect that they make up only a small % of registerred voters. Are the 6000 home bound, nursing homes, care giver dependant registerred voters who could not make it out last week? I think not.

What we do know is that the November election drew out the largest percentage of voters seen in decades. The vast majority of these people never participate in government or elections. Many of them went out to vote for president, and were likely fairly un-informed on many local issues. I would also be willing to bet that an enourmous number of them are not even tax payers.

Their votes were only "literally thrown out", because they didn't bother to take part in the process, because they truly do not care and are un-informed about local issues. Save the swan song for something that is credible. Your post, while dramatic, lacked any credibility.

[Unregistered]

Oh, yes, the drama continues. Let's blame the yes vote on those lazy caregivers who wouldn't bring their charges to town hall or get an absentee ballot. It's so unfortunate their voices went unheard. What a load of baloney! Someone in their last days in a nursing home probably wouldn't give two figs about a library one way or the other or about the selectmen or school committee. But, more excuses will keep coming out. And the drama will go on and on.

[Unregistered]

10. The stormwater will flood downtown

9. There is no rooftop deck to watch the fireworks

8. The cafe doesn't serve donuts

7. The Reading Garden has Poison Ivy

6.There is no drive thru window for museum passes

5. Amazon offers free book delivery

4. No ability to pay $70 since Walpole credit cards only have a $50 limit

3. The library closes at night and on Christmans Day

2. Reading is hazardous to mental health

1. Nancy Reagan said NO

[Unregistered]

What is all of this rudeness about people who live in walpole not being taxpayers? If someone is paying rent, they are paying into the till somehow. The common good as it were. And another thing: Mr. Taylor may not be your cup of tea, but he has his followers. And he has every right to run for an office or make a comment. His family goes way back in the town.

In short: Please Lighten up with the Taylor jabs. They are unwarranted.

[Unregistered]

I will be willing to bet at this point in time that the library will be back for more money. They will not have enough for whatever reason. They will need to staff it, buy furniture, books, have custodial services, more computers, etc. So, whatever was voted will not be enough down the road. What I don't understand is that the library was going to take a hit and have personnel laid off, so what now? Will the same number of employees be able to staff the new library. I highly doubt it. Will the same operating budget be in effect? I highly doubt it. So, it won't be $70.00 per year, it will be much much more. Also, the utilities will be much higher than they are now as the facility will be so much bigger. I do use the present library all the time. But, I did not support a new one for many of the above reasons. It was a personal decision and one that was not made easily. I do believe the economy is a huge factor. Yes, it will get better but who knows when. In the meantime, my family has been trying to be very careful with how we spend our money. We do have two incomes but know that could change at any time. So, I voted my conscience and wallet. Maybe I could get a job at the new library......

[Unregistered]

The cost of repaying the borrowed 6.2 million to build the library for 20 years does not affect the operating budget? WHERE DO YOU THINK IT COMES FROM???? It's a real simple question. Where is the money to repay the bond? Is it free? Are you even aware that the municipal operating budget has a budget where the borrowing costs are all included? Please answer.

Just so I understand, building a new building and all the expenses that go with it costs no extra money to the town every year. Then yoiu better find out what's going on at town hall because theyre raising your taxes to pay for something.

You would like people to actually believe that a much larger building will cost less to operate. Posts like yours screaming with your CAPITAL LETTERS "WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG!!!" IS IGNORANT IGNORANT IGNORANT IGNORANT!!!

Hopeless.

I shouldn't even have to explain this to a taxpayer because it is very similar in structure to the override to purchase Adams Farm. But in case you haven't been paying attention, I'll run you through it one more time:

:) Option #1: YES
The library project will cost a total of $11.2M. The first $4M of this will come from the state as soon as the project is approved, and will go into a special interest-bearing account. An additional $1M in private donations will also be collected and added to this fund.

Then construction begins, with the costs paid out of this account. At a certain point, the town takes out a 20-year loan for the remaining $6.2M, which is added to the interest-bearing account. At the same time, the override payments are added into our property tax bills, set at a rate which will service the regular payments on the bond. The payments added to your property tax bill will steadily decrease over the 20-year repayment period of the bond, and will end once the bond is paid off.

Meanwhile, library construction is completed, paid for with the remaining funds in the interest-bearing account. The town now has a library, and (nothing up my sleeve) no funds were diverted from the town's regular operating budget at any time! No funding from any other town department get tapped to pay for the project! The library gets built without subtracting one single penny from the town's operating budget! Its approval does not cause the town to eliminate a single job!

:( Option #2: NO
Now consider scenario #2 where the override does not pass. In this case, the state does not give us the $4M, and the private donors do not donate their $1M. No bond is taken out, no interest-bearing account is opened, no additional payments are added onto your property taxes, and no library gets built. No additional funds are available to the town under this scenario, because the override payments are never made. Notice that at no time did funding for any other town department increase as a result of not building a library.

In either case, the town has exactly the same amount of money available for regular operating expenses, such as building maintenance and salaries for teachers, police, firefighters, and lunch ladies. The only difference is that, for a limited repayment period, the town is allowed to bill the extra costs of servicing the $6.2M bond directly to taxpayers.

As to your other point about the efficiency of a new building, you don't seem to know much about running a public facility. Patrons expect to be able to check out their books without waiting in long lines and to get prompt assistance locating reference materials. Staff must be able to monitor conditions and activities in all public areas of the building, and have easy "contact" with the public. Work areas must be laid out to make processing of new and returned books smooth and efficient.

The new library design uses a modern layout that makes it easier for staff to perform their functions quickly while being accessible to the public and able to monitor large areas of the library. Library users will be able to check out their own books, and will have more and better seating to use while they are in the building. Add to this a more energy efficient "green" building, and you have a library that can do more for less. There is simply no reason for you to assume that a new library will cost more to run - exactly the opposite is true.

So maybe you can finally understand how voting against the library does not save a single job, and voting for it does not cost a single job? And maybe you can understand how it is that a new facility can help the library department to manage their operating costs more efficiently without sacrificing the level of service enjoyed and expected by the public.

[Unregistered]

The cost of repaying the borrowed 6.2 million to build the library for 20 years does not affect the operating budget? WHERE DO YOU THINK IT COMES FROM???? It's a real simple question. Where is the money to repay the bond? Is it free? Are you even aware that the municipal operating budget has a budget where the borrowing costs are all included? Please answer.

Do you even know what an "operating budget" is? It sounds like you don't.

If we build the library, the town will receive $4M from the state, $1M from private donors, and $6.2M in the form of a 20-year loan. Property taxes will increase slightly for the next 20 years to pay back the loan, after which time the extra payments will end. So this $11.2M is all money that WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE TO THE TOWN if we don't build the library.

The library will be built using funds that come from outside of any existing funding for the town. If we don't build the library, THE TOWN DOESN'T GET THE MONEY, and therefore cannot use any of the $11.2M to save the jobs of teachers or fire fighters. Fire Chief Bailey, Police Chief Stillman, Superintendent Lynch, and even the almighty Michael Boynton do not have any additional funding available to balance the town budget if we turn away these library funds.

Where does the money come from, you ask? Nearly half of it will come from the state and from private donors, the other half will come directly from taxpayers, spread over 20 years. If we don't build the library, none of this money becomes available for any other purpose.

Approving the library project does not remove one cent from the payroll of any town department. Denying the library project does not add one cent to the payroll. The town has the same amount of money available for regular operating expenses in either case.

Do you understand now, or are you going to persist in your IGNORANCE?

[Unregistered]

POSTER 211 you seem to be informed on how the overrides and budget works so I will ask you. Will the added taxes on the override for Adams Farm be paid off just about the time we start paying for the new Library? So, in essence we won't even notice an addition to our tax bill. So we are really getting a new state of the art building added to Walpole's infrastructure for free. Butterflies and books sounds good me.

[Unregistered]

It's time for everyone to take a step back and take a deep breath. As other posters have mentioned, a YES or NO vote on the library has nothing to do with the positions of policemen, firefighters, or teachers. Every time there is an override on the ballot, the hue and cry rises over affordability. In my opinion, if people can afford to live in Walpole (unless they have grossly overextended themselves), chances are they can afford about $70. There has never been any mass exodus of homeowners after the passage of school overrides and the Adams Farm override.

What there has been is constant bickering. Those who vocally opposed the library also opposed the school overrides but supported Adams Farm. Those who vocally opposed the Adams Farm override supported school overrides.

I would venture that those involved in a recount petition were probably involved in the recall petition.

It has become a game and Walpole is the always the loser with negative headlines and a lifetime of hard feelings that run so deep that every issue becomes a battleground.

The uproar over a new library will breed greater and greater resistance to any other future building whether it is a police station, fire station, or senior center. It does take a village to build a community. The recount petition will breed a house divided incapable of mending itself. Isn't the well being of our town worth $70? Something to think abour carefully.

[Unregistered]

"His family goes way back in the town" That about sums up the mentality of this town.

[Unregistered]

POSTER 211 you seem to be informed on how the overrides and budget works so I will ask you. Will the added taxes on the override for Adams Farm be paid off just about the time we start paying for the new Library? So, in essence we won't even notice an addition to our tax bill. So we are really getting a new state of the art building added to Walpole's infrastructure for free. Butterflies and books sounds good me.

Unfortunately I can't put my finger on a definitive online description of the terms of the Adams Farm bond. That $8M override passed in November of 1997, and Walpole taxpayers collectively paid about $633K last year in service of that debt. It would appear that there are serious limits to the information that can be readily retrieved from the internet.

I guess a trip to the Library is in order. :)

[Unregistered]

It occured to me after reading the letters to the editor by Mr. Moraski (debt) and Ms. Maguire (senior center) which raised questions about stormwater and debt, that the arguments themselves are questionable.

The proponent of the senior center wants the same spot that library supporters have been promised. The proponent alleges that stormwater issues may cost millions for the library. Then won't stormwater cost millions for the senior center since it would be in the same spot? Where is the millions going to come from for the senior center to pay for stormwater management? From the taxpayers who can't afford the $70 cost of a new library?

The other writer raises the spectre of debt and unbearable tax consequences. Big bad ugly debt. If we are in so much debt that we can't afford a library, then we can't afford any other building for that matter. No Police Station. No Fire Station. Those buildings will cost more than the town's $6 million share of the library.

We can see right through both letters. Yes we can.

[Unregistered]

Thank goodness I voted. Everyone will benefit from the library. Education is everything!

[Unregistered]

Here's another town that is planning on building a library and I noted that residents are supportive. No quotes thrown around about libraries being obsolete and 101 other excuses for not building a new library.

http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/news/x2127750670/Architect-picked-for-new-Westwood-library

[Unregistered]

POSTER 211 you seem to be informed on how the overrides and budget works so I will ask you. Will the added taxes on the override for Adams Farm be paid off just about the time we start paying for the new Library? So, in essence we won't even notice an addition to our tax bill. So we are really getting a new state of the art building added to Walpole's infrastructure for free. Butterflies and books sounds good me.


It's pretty hard to even respond to twisted logic that now has us building a library for free. How could anyone have voted against that? Darn. I just wish I had known it was a free building.

[Unregistered]

The one fact that I find hard to believe is the one of indifference to the library vote by 195 of our citizens that left the question BLANK. I simply can not imagine going to the polls without an opinion as to the merits or lack thereof of building a new library. The 195 people could have found enough info to make a reasoned judgment either way for / against but did not . I just hope that within this "block" there are not 10 hanging chads interpreted as a No vote during any recount should there be one.

[Unregistered]

I was just wondering. Does anyone know where the State gets it's money from?

Do they just print it up to send out, or do they have another way of getting it?

Maybe they get it from the Fereral Government, but then, where do they get it from?

I'll have to go to the Library to look this up. I'll also have to talk to my boss, as he's been taking something called taxes out of my paycheck for years and I wondered where it went.

I'll get back to you when I find out the answers. Maybe we can get the State to give us back some of the money they taxed us to help pay for the Library. The problem with that is we will actually be paying more out of our pocket than seventy dollars. What a dilemma.

If that is our money the State gives us, that would mean we are actually paying every dime ourselves. I must be wrong. Maybe it comes from China.

[Unregistered]

Go to the library and take a book out about basic economic principles. You seem to believe there is a zero-sum game and all the federal stimulus money is in a vault somewhere. You further believe that the state grant is just already-paid tax dollars? Your attempt at sarcasm was either woefully weak or your understanding of monetary policy is lacking.

[Unregistered]

Well, the money will come from the Massachusetts Department of Library Commissioners.
If you rather they send the money to another town's library, that is your business. Just be aware that money is commited to libraries. No doubt, you will continue to pay taxes, but as I say, it is your business if you want your library's money to go to somebody else's library.

[Unregistered]

222-Your argument is specious. If Walpole had not secured this grant, the money would have gone to the next town on the list. Perhaps a trip to the library is in order for you. I went today and checked out 5 brand-new, interesting books ($125 value), 4 new magazines ($18 value), and I bought 2 brand-new magazines from the exchange for a total of 50 cents ($9 value). Now, that's a deal! And how much better it will be to go to a beautiful, state-of-the-art, energy-efficient library with self-checkout.

[Unregistered]

I was just wondering. Does anyone know where the State gets it's money from?

Do they just print it up to send out, or do they have another way of getting it?

Maybe they get it from the Fereral Government, but then, where do they get it from?

I'll have to go to the Library to look this up. I'll also have to talk to my boss, as he's been taking something called taxes out of my paycheck for years and I wondered where it went.

I'll get back to you when I find out the answers. Maybe we can get the State to give us back some of the money they taxed us to help pay for the Library. The problem with that is we will actually be paying more out of our pocket than seventy dollars. What a dilemma.

If that is our money the State gives us, that would mean we are actually paying every dime ourselves. I must be wrong. Maybe it comes from China.

Boy, you sure are smart. Let's tell the state to stop funding public libraries. Brilliant. Ebveryone is sure to be on board with that!

The state uses some of our tax money to foster the accessability of information and knowledge for the general public. This is done to ensure that not only the wealthy have access to books and computers, but all the "regular folks" as well. Fortunately, the vast majority of people put a higher value on reading and knowledge than some of the NO crowd in Walpole. Your brilliance at turning down the money is just shocking! What a great idea! That way the state can just give it to another community. One where the "old guard" cares about building the infastructure and value of their town as a whole.

Surely you see that this will not reduce your taxes... you do understand that... correct? When a government stops funding public libraries, the people will surely know they are headed for disaster. Most everyone around realizes that. Everyone except...

[Unregistered]

222 It's in the paper. Westwood is going after the same Library grant. We should turn down the grant maybe give it back. As you drive down RT 109 with your grandchildren you can say "See that building I paid for that" They will reply " I wish I had one"

[Unregistered]

Hey, I have an idea. Westwood is already going to get $4 million for their proposed library and Walpole is supposed to get $4 million, so why don't we give our share to Westwood so they can build their library for practically free. It's the neighborly thing to do.

After all, we need to argue over how many cents the new Walpole library will cost per day or if we are going to have 100 year storms, or what the library director may or may not have said twelve years ago.

[Unregistered]

I saw this quote in a post in the library thread, "His family goes way back in the town." This is similar to the quotes during the election about Deep Roots in the community. Is Deep Roots related to Deep Throat? Woodward and Bernstein want to know.

[Unregistered]

I went to my libary and found this book.

Download a copy for yourself. Free.

http://books.google.com/books?id=6pwYAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=town+planning+for+small+communities

[Unregistered]

I was just wondering. Does anyone know where the State gets it's money from?

Do they just print it up to send out, or do they have another way of getting it?

If that is our money the State gives us, that would mean we are actually paying every dime ourselves. I must be wrong. Maybe it comes from China.

Yes, we pay taxes to the state, and the state uses that money to assist enlightened towns that do craaazy things like maintain their public infrastructure. The state is going to collect taxes whether we build a library or not. But remember, that $4M of state grant money was paid by residents all across the state. Walpole residents only paid about $100,000 into that fund, yet we could get back $4M!!! That's $3.9M of OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY that can be used to build our new library!

So the real question is: do you want to pay for 55% of the new Walpole Library, or do you want to pay for 45% of the new Westwood library? Hint: If the Walpole library loses its accreditation, you will not be allowed to use the libraries in Westwood, Norwood, Sharon, Norfolk, or any other area town.

Do the "NO-ponents" have any honest reasons not to build a library? You guys are zero-for-fifteen by my count. Are you really this sleazy, or are you just grossly misinformed?

:rolleyes:

[Unregistered]

Do you really believe we are getting 3.9 million for a 100,000 investment?

Do you happen to know Bernard Madoff?

Sounds like he could have made out big time in Walpole.

If by chance your looking for a bridge.

Well, you can finish the previous sentence.

Do you really believe taxes are going to go down when this boondoggle is paid off?

My guess is a considerable amount of the people voting for this won't be here twenty years from now.

I suggest that from now on, any overrides that are voted in go with you for you to continue paying when you move. I have a feeling we wouldn't be voting on many. I also think this would be a great idea throughout the State.

Oh my God, we would have to try and live within our budget. Something like what most families try to do every week at home when your spending your own money.

I was wondering. How many of you check of that box on the tax form to pay more than you have to?

[Unregistered]

Jimmy Taylor has filed a recount petition. At least we will finally see who the NO-ponents are.

[Unregistered]

Do you really believe we are getting 3.9 million for a 100,000 investment?

Actually, my math was wrong. It's more like a $10,000 investment. We really get $3.99M of other people's money to build our library.


Do you happen to know Bernard Madoff?

Sounds like he could have made out big time in Walpole.

If by chance your looking for a bridge.

Well, you can finish the previous sentence.

Do you have a point, or are you just attempting to express yourself in meaningless haiku?


"never leave the house
every man unto himself
i despise taxes!"


Do you really believe taxes are going to go down when this boondoggle is paid off?

Yes, just as I have faith that the payments for Adams Farm will cease when the terms of that override expire. That is THE LAW. Do you really believe the town of Walpole is going to blatantly violate state tax law and get away with it? You are a cynic of colossal proportions.


My guess is a considerable amount of the people voting for this won't be here twenty years from now.

Only if the nay-sayers succeed in grinding this town into dust!


I suggest that from now on, any overrides that are voted in go with you for you to continue paying when you move. I have a feeling we wouldn't be voting on many. I also think this would be a great idea throughout the State.

Oh my God, we would have to try and live within our budget. Something like what most families try to do every week at home when your spending your own money.

I was wondering. How many of you check of that box on the tax form to pay more than you have to?

I agree, we must live within our budget. This library is easily within budget for our town, and the cost of doing nothing would be greater than the cost of replacing the library. We would be foolish to let this opportunity slip away.

Given that our school system isn't whole without a certified public library, we'll have to replace the library eventually. If we delay, we'll have to pay for the entire job ourselves. How many of you want to pay more for a new library than we have to?

[Unregistered]

[QUOTE=Unregistered;7709]Do you really believe we are getting 3.9 million for a 100,000 investment?

It's probably difficult for you to understand but I'll try to explain. The state sets aside money for grants. Some towns apply for those grants and they receive them. Other towns don't bother but everyone pays into the pot. So, yes, we are getting $4mill for short money. If we didn't apply for this grant or didn't receive the grant, our taxes wouldn't go down. Try a visit to the library! (No big words-deliberately written at a 3rd grade level)

[Unregistered]

Here we go:

http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/regional_editions/overridecentral/2009/06/recount_in_clos.html

[Unregistered]

Two people took out recount papers. Their deadline was today. I want to see how successful they were at getting 10 registered voters in each precinct. Can't wait to see! Any votes at Jimmy bailing? How about the newcomer complainants? It will be interesting.

[Unregistered]

I would like to know what the Naysayers will pay for. What is their goal? To have the town fall to rack and ruin? No Schools. No Police Station. No Library. No Government. No Taxes. No Nothing and proud of it.

[Unregistered]

Say what you want about Jimmy, but I saw him and all his paperwork the other day. He may be the only one who filed papers, but judging by the number of signatures he had, there are a whole lot of people who had no qualms about signing.

[Unregistered]

Is it true that Jim Taylor does not even pay taxes to this town? How can that be? Does he live in an apartment? Why is he making such a stink about this when the increase will not effect him, seriously. If the $4 million dollars does not come thru, which I know it will, then we will have an issue. I am worried more about our town being able to sell bonds/get loans for the $6 million, not the state.

[Unregistered]

Unfortunatly there is a much greater risk of a counting error when done manually.
This is a shame. We must look so stupid to other towns turning down 4 mill.

[Unregistered]

Two people took out recount papers. Their deadline was today. I want to see how successful they were at getting 10 registered voters in each precinct. Can't wait to see! Any votes at Jimmy bailing? How about the newcomer complainants? It will be interesting.

Did you notice that almost all of the cynical anti-library furor on this forum died down simultaneously, a full day before Taylor filed his recount petition? It looks like the orchestrated noise campaign of lies was switched off like a lightbulb the very moment they had collected enough signatures. I guess we know who was making all those negative comments!

[Unregistered]

There's an article in The Boston Globe that has an interesting quote explaining why 2 out of 3 override votes passed this spring, in spite of a down economy:


"The basic point is this recession is very bad, it's very tough, but cutting and cutting and cutting until there's no more is not a balanced approach to solving the problem," said Geoffrey Beckwith, executive director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association. "Communities, especially those at the breaking point in terms of services, recognize that there's a point at which these investments must be made if the community wants to stay where it is or move forward."

When you look at the amounts of money other towns were willing to invest, it is really sad that so many Walpole voters would balk at such a small bill. Walpole's override was the smallest, both in dollar value and in percentage, of any override mentioned in the article.

When a town demonstrates such ignorance and backwards priorities, it is no wonder the only kind of businesses that try to locate here do so hoping to exploit our apathy, stupidity, and lax zoning bylaws. Instead of gaining ground when we can, Walpole seems determined to maintain our place at the bottom of the heap.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/06/12/despite_economy_property_tax_hikes_okd_in_11_mass_ communities/

[Unregistered]

If somehow the election results are overturned it can be put on the ballot again in Sept or Nov.

With such wide support and a benefit for the town should be a certainty to pass again.

[Unregistered]

It is true that a hand recount introduces room for human error and bias possibly resulting in more "confusion". Machines are apolitical.

Isn't it wonderful to be able to keep "confusion" alive and well for self interest?

[Unregistered]

I read with interest post #231 claiming we would be paying 45% of Westwoods library.

Post # 234 states we would have a 10,000 investment for 3.9 million instead of 100,000.

If it's 10,000 and we are paying 45% of Westwoods, then their library cost around $22,000.

That's a great deal. Let's see if we can get that in Walpole.

Mr. Taylor seems to get under your skin. It is a good thing we have people like Mr. Taylor

in any town or city. Without him and people like him, only one side of a story would be

heard.

If Mr.Taylor doesn't pay taxes, why would we he try to defeat this override? Maybe he is

getting sick of his parents or relatives or friends having to kick in the price of a gallon of

milk or coffee every week as is the stated price on every override. Over the years these

small amounts add up, and soon you are talking about some real money being taken out of

your paycheck.

Post # 241 sounds like he or she may be worried the vote will be reversed if a recount is

done. I find it amazing that people are so willing to continuously vote to take more money

out of their pocket and hand it over to someone else so easily. It seems every override

that comes down the pike, the same group of people want it. The way you can tell this is

it's always the same. It's only 50 or 70 dollars a year.

By the way, I didn't see where anyone said they checked off the pay more than required

box on their tax forms. Maybe if enough of you did that, we could get a lot more from the

state and we wouldn't have to go for overrides. After all it would only be the price of a

cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee every day. So check off that box and contribute your fair

share.

[Unregistered]

does anybody know exactly WHO will be doing the recount?

[Unregistered]

I'm willing to bet that if the library vote does not pass once the recount is done then there will never be senior center.

[Unregistered]

Post # 249 sounds like a threat to get out the vote to keep a senior center from being built. Ah, Revenge. Such a sweet thing.

[Unregistered]

#246, that post was really uncalled for. I support the library but let's have some respect here. Posts like this should be deleted.

it's deleted; my error. sorry -- tg