LONG BEACH -- A veteran political consultant said Monday that she believes a possible ballot measure aimed at raising property taxes to restore library funding could overcome economic obstacles.
"When a prudent, fiscally accountable proposal is put forward, and the proposal addresses priorities voters feel are important, the community will respond," Catherine Lew said by phone from her Oakland office.
Lew met last week with the Save Our Library Committee at El Dorado Park. Organized by Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske, the study group comprised of former library administrators and residents is considering whether to gather signatures for a ballot initiative that would add $35 to $55 to property taxes, raising $4 million to $6 million.
Reduced at the start of the fiscal year by $1.7 million, the city's general fund library budget is about $13 million. Another round of cuts is expected soon.
Lew, president of the Lew/Edwards Group, said she told the panel that polling performed in 2005 by the City of Long Beach in association with her firm indicated support for a library tax.
Lew acknowledged that the data were a few years old, and that the economy and state budget have declined, but said the right proposal can win.
"Last year, we successfully represented three library measures -- all three of them were successful," Lew said of campaigns in Santa Cruz County, Palo Alto and Gilroy.
Lew's firm also handled communications for Long Beach Unified's Measure K bond measure and ran Bellflower's Measure A utility tax, both of which passed.
Lew has not been retained by the library group, but Schipske said she would be considered if the panel opts to form a campaign.
"First of all, I have been nothing but impressed with the tenacity, persistence and enthusiasm of the library stakeholders," Lew said. "Obviously, they've done some great work at the community level so far in keeping the Main Library open."
A library tax would require a two-thirds vote. And a campaign could cost up to $80,000.
"They did not seem discouraged" by the costs, Schipske said of the panel. "They took it seriously ... I think it's still on track, but it's in their hands."
Schipske said she may continue facilitating the study group but wants residents to lead it and any campaign.
The Save Our Long Beach Libraries Task Force will meet at 6 p.m. March 26 in the El Dorado Senior Center, 2800 N. Studebaker Road.
[TAG1]john.canalis@presstelegram.com, 562-499-1273
Paul Eakins reports on Long Beach City Hall, and local and regional
politics. A newcomer to the Press-
Kris Hanson reports on the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles,
covering environmental issues, economic triumphs and
pitfalls and trade trends of America’s largest port.
He also writes a weekly column “On The Waterfront”,
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men and women who keep Southern California’s economy humming.
Karen Robes Meeks came to work for the Press-
I cannot believe that in a time when people are either losing their homes or struggling to pay their mortgages, Long Beach is considering adding to the housing cost. How out of touch can you be? Then, basing their decision on a 2005 study? 2005 was a life time ago and should not be the source for deciding what to do in 2009. 2005 was the height of wealth. The economy has lost trillions since then. No more taxes.