Library Needs vs. Wants

By Sol Henik

The fundamental economic question is what do we want and what do we need? Or, according to Walnut City Government, it's more like, what does the CITY want and who cares what we (tax paying citizens) really need.

The city and citizens need a new updated downtown library, that's for sure. The CITY says, based on a community library needs assessment (2003), that we need a 42,000 sq ft. size library, 90+ computers, a café, bookstore, two fireplaces, an underground parking garage, and a lighted beacon. The estimated cost of this project is currently at $43.5m. An important part of the economics is the distribution of resources so that people's needs are met. This is especially true in times of scarcity when there are not enough resources, goods or services. Why then, is the current City Council proceeding with plans to build this excessive monstrosity?

This is not a "Needs Assessment," this is a "Wants Assessment." Have the library planners taken in to consideration that over 85% of Walnut Creek residents own a computer (June 2002 survey conducted by Astound Broadband)? We need wireless/Wi-Fi capabilities not an exorbitant amount of computers. Do we need a café when there are numerous, already established cafés around the Civic Park area?

I would propose that we build a state of the art library with the money that we already have. There is no need to fund such an amenity-laden library while putting multiple city services in jeopardy. To fill the $17.9 million gap in funding the library, the current proposal is to transfer $5 million from the Redevelopment Agency (which does not include the library site), allocating approximately $5 million from the city's parking and downtown improvements fund, issuing $10 million in city debt, and finally the Walnut Creek Library Foundation has promised $5 million (Where is this money now?).

To steal from Peter to pay Paul just is not responsible government.

You can't always get what you want
And if you try sometime you find
You get what you need

I am running for Walnut Creek City Council and I would appreciate your vote. For more information: <http://www.vote4sol.com/>

Sol Henik