Inside Mesa

Mayor Keno Hawker made a statement that could be a threat, veiled as a non-threat but threatening none the less. He said,"There was a lot of people saying the council is bluffing and won’t make cuts, but this was never a bluff." The City Council is set to put pen to paper and sign off on the budget, cuts and all today. We all need to prepare to see changes within our city. Funding for such things as the Museum, The Mesa Arts Center, resource officers at the Jr. High Schools are among the things that will be cut. Now is not the time for those who favored the property tax to point the finger at those who opposed it. Now is the time to look to our leaders to solve this problem. I will beat this drum until my hands bleed but they came to the people, the people said no, they sought these jobs that they now hold and they are responsible for not just maintaining this city but improving it as well. Going backwards is not an option, looking forward is.

The Mesa Library Advisory Board met Tuesday night — we were all ears as Heather Wolf, Library Director shared some of the details that are now a reality without funding from a property tax. I was also able to watch Channel 11’s televised broadcast of the budget hearing later that evening as Heather and Trisha Sorensen, Acting Community Services Director along with the cultural and arts program participant discussed the task at hand.Library hours for now and some service information, plus some of my own comments:Mesa Downtown Main Library will remain open 62 hours a week. This is good!The Mesa Room will be open by appointment only. The appointments usually at an hourly pace and have been filled I see this as a positive re-enforcement of the interest in Mesa history and the archives collected there. I hope this effort continues, Mesa’s history is so rich with many good moments and strengths. It’s like the family room - we can see where we’ve been, the historical developments, important decisions, members in the community that have made a difference, and contributions as residents.14 positions, full and part-time, were moved to the main library because of the reduction of hours from the branch libraries. Some were lateral moves, some at a lower rate.The comments here are worth noting. I understand that Mesa City Manager Chris Brady gave the library latitude to work with those in positions that would be eliminated at the branch libraries, offering and transferring them to positions open at the main library. It would allow library employees to continue working in a different position if they wished. If applicable, other choices may be available if a cut in pay was more than a percentage that had been predetermined. I can’t speak for those in an at-risk position, but it seems a lot of care and grace is in place to be able to help those in a difficult situation. It validates too, the trust and the view that the library is an important resource and library personnel valuable.The overall staffing down 30%, morale plays a part in the continued reductions , about one each week - some of those part time staff, students working their way through school, leave for other city libraries where there is a sense of security and a more stable atmosphere. There may be long time staff members that can’t help but feel that the community doesn’t support the library because of the no vote on property tax. I would hope not - I sincerely believe that many in the community didn’t realize or have just not kept up to date on what was at stake. That was evident on Sunday, April 30 within 2 hours more than 80 cars - about 100 people came by surprised and disappointed Red Mountain Library was closed. 2. Branch Libraries - reduced hours remain - closed SundaysDobson Library 46 hours per weekRed Mountain Library 46 hours per week A survey found Saturday’s were busier than Sunday, determining the choice.The library staff is so thorough in making their decisions. With my own experience in working in a library at one time, I am constantly reminded as I participate as a Mesa Library Advisory Board member, that Librarians and those that work along side them are totally together! The efficiency, respectful atmosphere, integrity of their work, and commitment to deliver a quality service to their community is uppermost in their minds. I personally appreciate who they are — it really takes a special person to invest one’s life in this career choice. 3. Volunteers285 volunteers have helped throughout the year.Wow, that says a lot about the invested interest in our Mesa Libraries and the community willing to pitch in and help with some of the many tasks — freely given !