1. We were told that annexation into KCLS meant new libraries in the downtown and Highlands neighborhoods well before the annexation vote. I was able learn about them, and I wasn’t even looking for the information. So don’t give me the “I never knew this…” line. It just demonstrates ignorance of the issues. It’s not our fault that you failed to do your homework several elections ago.

2. The costs for the Piazza location have already been budgeted for – for quite some time. Why would I want to pay more for the Cedar River location? I don’t . . . period.

3. Anyone who calls any budget estimate “bloated” or “inflated” knows nothing about this type of process. These are only your opinions and merit no consideration on my part. Projects like this that involve a large amount of unknown or unforeseen conditions both in the building itself as well as the approvals process it must undergo and are lucky if they are within 20 percent of actual costs (all in.) That’s 20 percent low folks. No matter which way you slice it, Cedar River will cost us a lot more.

4. Now let’s get this straight – the Piazza location is not half the size of Cedar River. If your calculator says it does, you seriously need some new batteries.

5. Now, let’s say we force King County into a building 22,000-square-foot building, when they have budgeted lease payments for a 15,000-square-foot building. Do you think we are going to get rates to support 22,000-square-foot? No! We would have to accept the 15,000-square-foot rate. That won’t pencil out on either side of the ledger.

6. The possibility exists that KCLS will bring suit against the city for breach of contract. Then we get nothing.

6. OK, let’s say the Cedar River location is selected. There is nothing stopping KCLS from closing the downtown location altogether and focusing on the Highlands branch, is there? Then we really get nothing.

I think the energy of the Cedar River Library group is admirable, but severely short-sighted. The Cedar River location will never go away – it will always belong to all of us. But the vitriol, misinformation, confrontation and intimidation did not help this dialogue. It hurt it. It brings us down as citizens of this city. And that’s not what we want to be.

It’s time for Renton to live up to its motto, and be “ahead of the curve.”

I’m voting for the Piazza location – how about you?

Gary B. Barber

Renton