Dear St. Albert residents: I have changed my mind about one part of the library proposal but I am strongly against another part. Let me explain. In August, I went to the states and visited a city where the infrastructure was falling apart. This state capital and landmark had little aesthetic appeal and schools and public places were run down. This impacted my thinking. I support the idea of a new library branch – and it can be state of the art and nice with enough space. So I would vote yes for the library branch. However, I vote no to the library providing the proposed services that other organizations and departments should be providing. The library can have books, CDs, audio books and computers. The new branch can have a computer lab (maybe up to 20 – 30 computers in it) and provide the free internet access for the public. My no vote is in that the library should not be bringing services that other departments like community services, continuing education, the seniors' centre and private companies provide services. I think that computer learning should be user paid, not tax paid. The library does not need to have a huge operating budget to provide so many services that other organizations provide. Yes to an author in residence; reading shows and reading programs; or how to find information on the internet course; but no to providing Microsoft office, Twitter or other non-library courses. I have been a computer trainer for several communities within northern Alberta and we worked with the local police, hospitals, and community services to provide computer training. The library should not be competing with local businesses and continuing education – it would be taking away jobs. As regards to the pool and skating rink. Many users feel we have a great need for this. I would propose that the pool be a lane pool only (not a leisure centre) with eight lanes to be able to have a swim meet and be a teaching pool along with Fountain Park Pool. The important part of the new pool and rink is to be walking distance to schools. A new pool is needed but not a leisure pool – we have two leisure pools already. We need a lane pool to accommodate swim teams, length swimmers and swim lessons; it will still have some time for public swimming too. I believe our sports facilities should be more spread out to provide walking access for people. St. Albert is a great place to live. We are a modern, upbeat, artistic and athletic community. I love living in St. Albert. I want us to stay strong in infrastructure and be a beautiful as well as efficient community providing services to St. Albert. I do not want my taxes to go up as we have a fixed income. I give a yes for the library branch, but no for the library to have an ongoing budget to provide services that should be user paid. I do not want my taxes to increase, but more than that, I do not want to live in a city that has not provided the infrastructure for our future and kids’ future. Marg Oevering, St. Albert
