The process to site the downtown library, once thought complete, is moving forward again, with the public leading the way.

The Renton Reporter has argued that the City of Renton and the King County Library System had already signed a contract to build a new library somewhere other than over the Cedar River.

The plan was clear in election literature and in all the documents approved by the City Council.

But it seems that KCLS is willing to give the City of Renton and its residents a chance to rethink these decisions about a library location. KCLS could have stuck to its guns, we suppose, but it’s also to its advantage to work collegially with the cities that make up its system.

This time around, let’s make sure that every effort is made to inform the public. AND, that the public avails itself of every piece of information available about the cost of the two options – the current library or the one near the Piazza.

We think the City Council should  include the cost to build a new library or to renovate the current one in the wording of the ballot measure. Get that number out there front and center, then use the voters pamphlet for a more vigorous discussion.

This decision is about money, not emotions.