I am proud of those who have fought for the library. But take careful note, they are still in battle uniform, even after the trouncing defeat in an overwhelming pro-Cedar River Library vote by Renton voters v. Renton City Council’s plans for the library at the Piazza. And for good reason. They know too well that the council was not unaware of the public’s preference from the start, but that the council had planned even then to do business as usual, by the bull-dozer of the office and not the will of the people. Even with the public victory secured, the Apocalyptical 4 Headsmans of the council are still singing (as always) their same old song, Doing It Our Way, or the Highway, while those who fought the good fight representing the public’s interest are yet held at arm’s length by that obstinate foursome.

The Cedar River library is, in itself, a sweet and important statement from an era of true visionary spirit. The library is more than a building. It compares to the statue of the boy, with a baseball mitt reading a book, which sits just before the concourse over the river leading to the library’s entrance. That sculpture is one of the most cherished in the entire Northwest . . . that is the U.S. and not only the Northwest Puget Sound.

Now have you taken a look at those big, square, steel monstrosities that KCLS approved that “litter” the front of the new Burien downtown library? The most remarkable thing about them is the sign posted in front of them – DO NOT TOUCH THE SCULPTURES. This is the kind of hideous, insidious and insane spirit that is trying to leave its mark on Renton.

It is all far more than about buildings and art. It is about the very heart of the city.

Johnjoseph Pajor

Renton