Union-Bulletin

I'm not an attorney and I can't speak to the legality of the RLD board's decision to walk away from any effort to cooperate with the Walla Walla Public Library.

I was, however, one of two members of the public attending the RLD board meeting in a corner of the Burbank Library when the question was presented to the board.

The entire "discussion" did not last 30 seconds. One member asked why there wouldn't be any discussion of the underlying issues, and Sandra Bradley, the board chair said discussion wasn't necessary, the board just needed to "accept" the decision by the Library Working Group. With that, it was "Agenda Item One, all those in favor, say Aye . . . next item."

I like Aletha and I think she genuinely wants what's best for her constituents, if not for the overall community. But this is painful to watch.

In the first place, the Library Working Group did not issue a "report" or any "findings." At the group's final private meeting in June, the group simply drafted a two-page news release that did little more than announce the group's failure.

If you're curious to know what either the City or the RLD actually proposed during the private meetings, or what either side offered in response to those proposals, you're invited to browse through an uncataloged data dump of incomplete meeting notes and dueling spreadsheets.

The library public deserves a better explanation. I hope the County Commissioners will hold a public hearing where that explanation can be explored in depth.

• Bart Preecs

http://WallaWallaWatchdogs.org

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