We did it! Reiche library will stay open…but we have our work cut out for us for the next year if its presence is to be permanent.
After two weeks of speaking out in support of Reiche branch library, we can celebrate the restoration of $30,000 in funding that will allow the library to remain open for at least one more year. PPL Director Stephen Podgajny and the PPL Trustees have promised extensive long-range planning with public input during the coming year.
District 2 Councilor Dave Marshall asked the Council on May 19 to restore $30,000 from the contingency fund. Residents who contacted City Councilors to ask for their support were pleased that the vote was 6 – 1 in favor of Marshall’s resolution. Jill Duson was the lone councilor to vote against the measure, saying that she couldn’t suport last-minute changes to the budget because the finance committee had worked hard to balance competing community interests.
We asked the City Councilors for their help. Now let’s be sure to thank them. Please let Dave Marshall know that we’re grateful for his leadership, especially in sponsoring the resolution. Please thank John Anton for supporting the process so strongly and let Councilors Cohen, Donoghue, Leeman, Mavodones, Skolnik and Suslovic know how much we appreciate their affirmative votes. Contact information may be found at http://www.portlandmaine.gov/citycou.htm . Another person to thank as you see him in the neighborhood is State Representative Jon Hinck, who was with us every step of the way.
We will keep you posted on PPL’s long-range planning process, which will eventually determine the fate of Reiche and other branch libraries. Please be ready to raise your voice (again!) when the time is right. A good way to stay close to the process would be to join the newly formed Friends of Reiche. Just email us at wendneighborhood@yahoo.com to let us know that you’re interested.
[West End Neighborhood Association]
Way to go gang! Wonderful organizing by our West End Neighborhood Association — Leana, Jo, John and a bunch of others. The rally was ripping good fun. I think the kids, like Luke and Jane, made the winning points. We are reminded of why it is good to have a strong neighborhood organization. Oh, and remember to read (and check out) the library books. Congrats to all. Rep. Jon Hinck