Inside Mesa

There are those that simply don’t understand or recognize the need of a dependable revenue source for the City of Mesa. I saw first hand Sunday, the impact of the current budget constraints.As a member of the Library Advisory Board I know the current struggles facing Mesa Libraries. Red Mountain and Dobson libraries are both closed on Sunday, the main library open from 1-5 PM. All three libraries have shortened their hours and altered some forms of service to patrons because of the shortage of funds in the city budget.Sunday, I volunteered to sit in front of the Red Mountain Library in east Mesa from 2:00 - 4:00 PM, in case anyone came by to utilize the facility. My purpose, to advise each one it is no longer open Sundays. I sat comfortably on a shaded bench, brought the Sunday newspaper to pass the time, and a bottle of water to quench my thirst for a very warm Sunday afternoon. I hardly had a chance to sit down. Over the next two hours a continuous stream of partrons of all ages came by: children, youth, college students, working age, and the retired. About 80 cars, a motorcycle, and pedestrians, arrived expecting to go inside.The disappointment huge, the impact even greater. Some bewildered, some angry, others driving off in silence, one willing to travel downtown while others did not because it was too far. There were those that didn’t know about the May 16 ballot, the tax initiatives, the reason and the impact they will make in the City. One woman, a retired teacher and school librarian, came to donate materials for the children’s area. She had already voted yes and hopeful the tax measures would pass.I support Mesa’s two tax proposals - a half cent sales tax increase and primary property tax - to enable the stable revenue funds needed for the City of Mesa budget now and for the future.