Consider your vote well

I believe those folks planning to vote “yes” for the levying of a 1 mil tax for the library to be endowed with the best of intentions. They honestly do not see how we can say “no” to such a noble cause. What could be more positive and enlightening than providing our citizens, especially our children, with the opportunity to read, search the internet, learn and grow intellectually? The vote really, based solely on those criteria, should be a resounding “yes”! But now we much step-back and do what our use of libraries encourages us to do, “learn” and “think.” We have learned that it is not necessary for the Pike County Commissioners to approve or give their permission for a referendum to be placed on the ballot. We have learned that any organization can lawfully achieve this goal by securing the required number of signatures on a petition. We have learned this process results in the mandatory placement of a referendum on the ballot for the voters to consider. If the majority of us vote “yes’ it becomes a reality. Now lets think. How do I feel, how do you feel, about battered women, abused children and starving and homeless animals? Can we morally and passionately say yes to a library tax and next year if a referendum is placed on the ballot to levy a tax for another worthy organization such as Safe Haven or the Pike County Humane Society, vote no? Do we say yes to books and no to helping human beings and animals? Your call. I don’t think we can afford the potential opening of a can of worms unless we are prepared to deal with the results and financially support those also vital organizations that need our help. I ask only that every voter consider the ramifications when voting “yes” or “no.” Sandy Leiser Shohola