The clear choice for our family on August 7th is the Cedar River library. Let’s keep an icon that makes Renton special. Here are some thoughts to consider:

• Those who say we should have known the vote to annex to KCLS meant a new library in a new location are misinformed. The Renton City Council was continuing to discuss keeping the current location as a viable option 15 months after the KCLS annexation election.

• Don’t give weight to BUSINESSMAN King Parker’s relentless focus on commerce. We’re not there to take our children shopping after story time is over, no matter where the library is located.

• The downtown farmer’s market may be lovely. But proximity to an event held one weeknight just a few months a year is not a reason to relocate our library.

• Smaller isn’t better. Story times are already crowded, packed full of kids and parents. The children’s play area inside the library could actually benefit from more space.

• Don’t listen to claims that the Cedar River is the more expensive option. Consider that the Big 5 site can be sold. But if the Piazza is chosen, you’ll be paying millions more to renovate and operate a so-called environmental center. Without an exact figure of what this will cost, we remain uninformed. Based on that alone, we cannot choose the Piazza location.

• Street parking and parking garages don’t work for families. Not when we can park in an onsite lot where there is always a space and no worries about exposing our children to traffic.

KCLS doesn’t know what makes Renton special. We do. Don’t let an outside force take away something that makes our city unique. Yes, decisions have been made – as the Renton Reporter points out ad nauseum. But the basis for this paper’s editorials and endorsements is flawed. Citizens can speak up, facts can be learned, opinions can evolve. Vote for the Cedar River Library.

Jim and Christina Condelles,

Renton