Villa Park library deserves support

I have lived in Villa Park for about twenty years. Yes, my wife is an appointed library board trustee. I have been involved in Villa Park also, having served 10 years on the VP Board of Fire and Police Commissioners and 8 years on the DuPage High School District 88 Board of Education.

Referendum decisions can be tough, especially in Villa Park. A voter expects quality information related to a referendum question so they can make an informed decision. The pleasant surprise this time around are the efforts to educate the community on the full scope and need for the Villa Park Library project.

No doubt the limited term tax increase is difficult to swallow for many. Let's face it, the VP water bills just increased without a referendum. This is balanced, however, by the heavy utilization of the library by youth and adults in our community. Over a quarter of a million titles checked out during fiscal years 2015/2016? That is huge. The facility is used by all ages young to old.

It is too easy to just say no. Our governments … we voters, actually, have been neglecting our infrastructure and public buildings in the quest for a balance in government finance. The referendum before us is the opportunity to support the critical improvements needed for this dated building. Did I mention our library is heavily used by our community?

Please take a good hard look at the information pool for the library referendum question.

This is a great balanced reasonable affordable project. Really. I support this project and the referendum that will finance it. I am proud of our community library and I hope others are too.

James P. Luebke

Villa Park