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MONDAY, Oct. 31, 2005 Libraries are for ideas Vancouver voters are being asked to create a Greater Vancouver Library Capital Facility Area and to approve a $44 million, 20-year bond issue to update the 42-year-old community library, expand the east Vancouver library facilities and update the Vancouver Mall library, as general election mail-in voting continues through 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8. So far, slightly over 34,000 voters have returned ballots, compared to 31,404 voters who returned ballots eight days before the September 20 primary election day. A somewhat larger capital facility area was presented and approved by voters in March 2004, but the bond issue, although approved by 55.69 percent of the voters, failed because it lacked the mandatory 60 percent majority. What’s at stake are library facilities and services for a city that has quadrupled in population since the Vancouver community library was built in 1963. If approved, the bond issue would pay the costs of renovating and enlarging the main library at its current site, and make seismic and other upgrades and create spaces for children’s programs, homework help, and services for seniors. Shelf space would be enlarged for 63,000 books and magazines currently in storage. More computer space would be created at all three city libraries. The tiny Cascade Park Library in east Vancouver would be replaced with a much larger facility next to the Firstenburg Community Center. The bond issue opponents complain that the costs are too high and that the library should not be supported because children are exposed to objectionable materials. Not so, say proponents. The tax cost over the 20-year period of the bond issue would be $33 a year on a $169,000 home. With respect to objectionable materials, proponents say: “In the past there were legitimate concerns about children having access to objectionable materials at library Internet Stations. No person under 17 has unfiltered Internet access; complaints have been reduced to nearly zero. FVRL was second in state to fully comply with Children’s Internet Protection Act.”
Emergency preparedness getting Representatives of seven local agencies are presenting two forums on emergency preparedness, including information on family self-sufficiency kits, reports Tom Griffith, director of the Clark Regional Communications Agency. Griffith, who recently spent two weeks in Baton Rouge, La., as part of a Washington state emergency management team, says the question to be answered is this: “With no electricity, no fuel and all the stores closed, could you survive for up to a week?” The forums, coordinated by Fire District 5, are at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, and Nov. 9, in the NW Regional Training Center, 11606 NE 66th Street. Presenters are Griffith, Don Bivins, Vancouver Fire chief, George Delgado, Vancouver Police Department, Heather Tucker, American Medical Response, Rich Conrad, Clark County Public Health, Harley Sell Southwest Washington Medical Center, and Scott Clementson, American Red Cross. News brief Southwest Washington Medical Center class on back pain is being presented by Rebound Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Physical Therapists at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, in the Health Education Center of the medical center. Medical center spokesman Ken Cole offers hope. Ninety percent of people with acute back pain improve within one month, and up to 60 percent improve within a week. The public is invited. Call 514-2190 for further information. People Sue Stepan has been hired as manager of the Engineering Services Division of the Clark County Community Development Department, reports department director Richard Carson. Stepan, most recently an engineering manager for CH2M-Hill, and previously a city engineer and public works director for Milwaukie, Ore., is a graduate of Marquette University and holds a masters degree in civil engineering from California State University. Calendar The Vancouver City Council does not meet today. n Clark Public Utilities’ commissioners meet in regular session at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1. n Clark County commissioners meet in regular session at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1. n The Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council meets in regular session at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1.
Monday headlines
at home and from around the world: Some Republicans support gasoline tax increase--Columbian, Kathie Durbin Indoor Farmers Market open seven days a week--Columbian, Jeffrey Mize Moderate retail growth predicted for holidays--Vancouver Business Journal, Shane Cleveland CEO pay up 30 percent, typical big biz top exec gets over $5 million--USA TODAY, Reuters Alito Supreme Court nomination ignites strong reaction--Washington Post, William Branigin
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