Rebuttal to Sandy Leiser's letter

Sandy Leiser of Shohola raises some interesting points about the Pike County Library Tax referendum, especially when she asks: “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?” Leiser’s own conclusion, based on those criteria, is a resounding “yes”! However, Ms. Leiser’s statement about “any organization” placing a referendum on the ballot simply by securing a required number of signatures on a petition is incorrect. Use of referendums in Pennsylvania is extremely limited. State law is very specific about the types of questions, for example, the library tax, that may be lawfully presented to voters as referendum questions. The State of Pennsylvania handbook on referendum (available as a free resource at the Library) provides: “Unlike many other states, Pennsylvania has no general constitutional or statutory provision for voter initiative and referendum at the state or local level... Citizen access to the ballot and use of the referendum are limited in Pennsylvania...” So, a yes vote for the library is not a slippery slope to dedicated taxes for other good causes. Battered women, abused children and starving and homeless animals are very worthy causes. I personally support Safe Haven and the Pike County Humane Society and I encourage others to do so as these organizations provide critical services to our community. Voters should understand what is at stake on Election Day for thousands of people who use and need the free services and resources offered though the Library. Please vote yes on November 3 to preserve and improve your Library. Everyone Benefits. Maleyne Syracuse, president PCPL Board of Directors