Maybe the States Attorney needs to look into violations of the open meetings act of the new board who seem to pass things at one meeting and then come back and rescind and re-pass the same items after they have discussed them outside the board room i.e. contract for the new web page.

The truth does not set you free it makes people angry. They believe what they want regardless of fact; do what they want because it is what THEY want; refuse to admit the possibility that they have made a mistake and are aggressively disdainful of those who do not see things as they do.

Such is the case with the dethroned trustees of the library board and their supporters. Instead of realizing that the majority of citizens engaged enough to participate voted them out of office by a wide margin as a repudiation of where they were taking the library; instead of acknowledging that mistakes were made that quite possibly crossed the lines of legality; instead of accepting responsibilty and any subsequent consequences of their actions; they spin, deflect, make excuses and try to paint themselves as victims.

The really sad thing is that blinded by ego or hubris they continue to contend that the rest of the parade is marching in the wrong direction. Their attitude seems to be that the poor, misguided citizen's just can't grasp the elite group's ulitmate "rightness"... and that any means used was, and is, quite acceptable if it moves their agenda forward.

It is unfortunate that in taking the actions they did, believing that THEY knew best, they have besmirched not only their own reputations but that of a fine library whose employees and patrons deserved better. It would be well for ALL elected officials to remember that they are public SERVANTS, not public MASTERS.

Laura, bottom line is you lost. The voters rejected you. They did not want what you were selling.

I AM working on the assumption that there is a smoking gun since I took the time to listen to the tapes and FOIA the documentation. Perhaps if you had done your job while on the board the new board would not have to clean up the mess that you and your cohorts left behind.

I have not called names, I have expressed opinions and as a public figure you are fair game. If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen.

First off I need to correct your characterization of the group I lead. It concerns itself with preparedness and old-time skills, (you know like canning and growing a square-foot garden and being ready in an emergency like the Federal government says we should). Secondly, Mr. Albers is a member, (although he hasn't attended any meetings yet) and, if you would like to learn how to do some useful skills you would be welcome to join also.
Thirdly, regarding your cheap shot about library resources, if you had paid attention while on the board, you would know that not-for-profit or community groups are allowed to use library meeting rooms if they are available. You should know that as the "Friends of the Library" group you were so close to made use of the self-same resources.

Is that the best you have Laura? Lame innuendos?

Laura and Pat-now play nice kids!

Laura, Pat's outside interests have nothing to do with his critiques of the library. Shades of McCarthyism. I think the problem is that the old Board and Director were so convinced of the merits of their case they ignored public opinion.

Pat, Let's face it-your group is like old guys playing Cowboys and Indians. I'll bet our "enemies" are scared to death. Not. The BPAC won and the PROPAC lost- Move on with the new vision.

Tony I'm not quite sure of what you mean by the "cowboys and Indians" reference. Willing to listen though.

Difficult to dialog with deaf ears and closed minds.

Unproductive to dialog with those who have made a Faustian bargain.

News stories, board/staff resignations and released meeting recordings have generated a lot of passionate input about the library since the spring election. From my viewpoint - the old board who lost - never stopped the election. Comes a time when you have to admit losing and let the new people get to work. Good to monitor those elected - but far too many comments here were taunting and seemingly politically motivated. State and County officials have reviewed past actions, found some fault and chosen not to pursue other issues; exonerating the MGPL as an institution for reporting potential infractions as they continue investigating potentially more serious matters. I would like to hear the findings directly from officials investigating the issues raised in the Bugle and Patch. Let's see how the new board moves forward and what the excellent staff tells us about how this institution is operating under new management. Tony is right, let the new group move on with their vision. We can honestly evaluate them after providing time and a fair chance to succeed - for the community - without a constant array of criticism based on partisan motivation. Also, everyone should research these issues thoroughly for themselves, especially before commenting. If the board doesn't fulfill their promises, then we'll have many opportunities to ask them why - but first, I think they deserve an honest chance to achieve their goals.