On Jan. 23, I listened to the Manatee County Commission meeting. It has been about a year of discussion to expand the current “volunteer” Library Citizen’s Advisory Board. After the ordinance passed, people within the community came out, adhering to the specific demographic requirements. Sure, some positions only had one candidate, but others had multiple. As Tammy Parrott stated, she was happy with the candidates.
The motion to table was made by Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, stating, “I’m not satisfied with the applicants on the list… the individuals on the list are not like-minded to this board.” Not one of you asked him to define what like-minded means to him. So, I ask, what is the definition? Without an answer, I can only conclude Commissioner Van Ostenbridge only wants Republican-registered applicants to apply for advisory board positions. If this is true, we live in a democracy and this attitude is discrimination.
Your continuing disregard and disrespect for the professionals who lead this county, not only in the Library Department, but other departments, shows a lack of good conduct on your part as an elected leader, and inappropriate means for change.
Thank you to Commissioner Kruse, the only one of you who had the resolve to question and dissent from the motion set forth.
Now you have tabled the appointments and because of this decision, the advisory board does not have a quorum and can’t meet! There was no reason why the two returning members should have been restricted from approval and no reason why the positions with multiple applicants could not have moved forward. How did you vet the process?
Your residents came out to volunteer, several are college educated (with masters), extensive employment backgrounds and volunteer experience. What a letdown for them.
I respect the work of the County Library Department leaders and staff, and they have responded positively to all your requests for library changes and improvement. What a letdown for the staff!
As a resident of Manatee County, I am very disappointed with the rhetoric I heard and the silence from this Board of Commissioners. Remember, in the United States we live in a democracy.
Julie Perry
Friends of the Island Library
