COUNCIL PRESIDENT CALLS ON LIBRARY TO ALLOW PUBLIC DIALOGUE
JAMESTOWN – The president of the Jamestown City Council is calling on the Prendergast Library in Jamestown to get more feedback from the public before moving forward with current or planned changes. In a letter dated March 1, 2012, Jamestown City Council President Greg Rabb addressed the entire Prendergast Library Board of Directors and requested that they schedule as a soon as possible another night-time forum with the public.
Rabb is advocating for the meeting because of the numerous concerns that have come to him from area residents. He says both taxpayers and library users continue to contact the members of City Council with their concerns about the library. In addition, Rabb says never has he had so many letters, phone calls, or messages. The council president added that while the Prendergast Library is an agency outside the operations of city government, it has the largest annual appropriation from the city budget.
The Council President said the meeting should be scheduled as soon as possible and publicized widely so it can guarantee the maximum public turnout. He also suggests the library use a neutral facilitator to make the most of the time.
Rabb added that the City Council has historically kept out of the day-to-day management of the library, but it cannot and will not ignore concerns expressed by numerous constituents. He said, “The library board needs to take control of a situation that is unfortunately spiraling out of control.”
Both library board president Tom Price or Library Executive Director Linda Mielke have respectfully declined to speak with WRFA on issues involving the library.
The next library board meeting will be on March 22 at 12:15 p.m. in the fireplace room of the library. It is open to the public.
RELATED CONTENT
Audio from Impromptu Prendergast Library Forum on Feb. 28, 2012
- Prendergast Library Forum 02-28-2012 – Part One (Complete Audio)
- Prendergast Library Forum 02-28-2012 – Part Two (Complete Audio)
CITY MAN ARRESTED FOR DWI, GUN POSSESSION, AND SEVERAL OTHER CHARGES
JAMESTOWN – Authorities have arrested a city man on multiple charges Saturday night after he allegedly switched seats in his car with a female companion in an attempt to avoid a driving while intoxicated charge.
Adam Hale, 29, and his companion ended up facing charges of drug possession and criminal possession of a firearm after a series of events that began in Jamestown and ended in Falconer Saturday night.
State police said Hale, 29, was driving a car that sped away from a Jamestown police officer who tried to question him on Curtis Street. When the ca was later pulled over by State Police on North Work Street in Falconer, Hale was the passenger and 20 year old Malary Stenstrom was at the wheel.
Troopers said illegally obtained prescription drugs and a loaded handgun were also found in the car. Hale was charged with DWI and Stenstrom with obstructing governmental administration. After Stenstrom allegedly struggled with police, she was additionally charged with resisting arrest.
CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING DEADLINE IS TUESDAY
[updated March 5, 2012 @ 11:55 a.m.]
ALBANY – Tomorrow March 12 is the deadline for new congressional lines to be in place for New York State, but it looks like it may take a little longer than that. The congressional lines that were drawn up by a state legislature commission to reflect New York’s 27 Congressional districts are currently being reviewed by a state judge. That’s in addition to the new State Senate and Assembly boundary lines, which are also being held up from being approved, complete with a threat by Governor Andrew Cuomo to veto any partisan redistricting map that comes to his desk.
Late last week, Common Cause New York – an advocacy group in favor of independent redistricting – called on the governor to “hold fast” to his promise of a veto on any partisan redistricting plan. A spokesperson for the group said the maps proposed by Assembly Democrats and Senate Republicans remain “hyper-political” and “are drawn to protect the fortunes of incumbents.”
Common Cause New York has released its own redistricting maps, which are drawn without any incumbent information and look “markedly different” from either party plan. The group accuses the senate and assembly of drawing the new lines behind closed doors, adding that open discussion on how the boundaries should be drawn is required.
CHAMBER LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST IS THIS FRIDAY
JAMESTOWN – The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce State Legislative Breakfast will be held Friday, March 9th at the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club. This annual event allows local business people to meet directly with State Senator Cathy Young and Assemblyman Andrew Goodell. Registration will begin at 8:00am, followed by breakfast at 8:30. The cost to attend is $15 for Chamber members or $20 for non-members. Cal the chamber 484-1101 for more information.
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