ROCKVILLE CENTRE: Vote for library budget, Murray

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While the school district budget and school board candidates may get most of the attention, residents will also be voting for library trustees and the library budget on Tuesday.

The Herald encourages voters to support the library budget. For a very modest tax increase of about $7.50 a year, the library will let residents rent books, movies, music, video games, e-readers and more. There are events and classes that are open to all. The library is a hub of activity in the village.

Some residents have complained that it is spending more on entertainment than books these days. As we see it, however, the library is giving people what they want. Many come for programs and to rent movies and games, while fewer people come for books. It makes sense for the library to expand those services to better serve residents.

Both Bill Murray and Jason Paulsen, the two candidates running for the library’s Board of Trustees, are forward-thinking men. They both have big ideas about what they want the library to be for the community.

But it seems to us that Murray has a stronger sense of how to keep the facility relevant, balancing the wants of people who love books with those of people who love technology.

Murray also has a strong financial background. In this day and age, with the state tax cap, an experienced budgetary hand is an invaluable asset. We give Bill Murray our enthusiastic endorsement.