Tony Oliver

I am running to represent Redmond on the Deschutes County Library Board because I believe in the value of strong community libraries. Every community is unique in its demographics and culture and I feel strongly that our libraries need to reflect those characteristics.

That concept was clearly understood when the library board was formed in 1998. A representative was to be elected from every community within Deschutes County to ensure each a voice at the table — a process that is in place to this day.

However, today’s library board has coalesced around support for Bend to the detriment of other libraries, particularly Redmond.

First we lost our art display program, then the bookstore, and then our Friends of the Library volunteers. Now our dearly loved historic Jessie Hill School building has been demolished, only to be replaced by a steel and glass structure that is completely out of character in the historic district.

Obviously, Redmond has not been well represented on the library board. The library bond, which was not supported by Redmond voters, promised us a new library. There was no mention of remove, replace, or demolish regarding the Redmond Library in the bond. What we got instead of a new library is the old library with a new skin.

The library board seems focused on size as opposed to service. That’s clear in the proposal for the new Central Library, which overshadows the commitment to community libraries in both dollars and programming.

The budget for the Central Library Building has grown from $120 million to $130 million to $138 million, consuming nearly three-quarters of the funds the measure allows to be raised.

The bond measure stipulated Sisters, LaPine, Sunriver, downtown Bend and East Bend libraries will be repaired, modernized and upgraded and Redmond was to have a new library. Included were books, materials and technology. However, if the Central Library Building development continues as planned, it seems clear that it will be difficult or impossible to support those goals and still support the community libraries.

We know that is true because there has been no discussion of a branch library elsewhere in Redmond to provide the “new” library as stipulated by the bond. I believe it is time to rethink the process and manage using sound, conservative financial policies.

Community libraries are designed to ensure accessibility — not to just the disadvantaged, elderly, physically challenged, children, and adults in structural design and services, but also in proximity. The current Library is not convenient for many people in Redmond. That is also true of the Stevens Ranch Road site as it will be 45 minutes from Redmond and even further away from LaPine and Sisters.

The proposed facility will be of little benefit to the taxpayers of Redmond who are paying s significant part of the bill with their 60% increase in Library property taxes. And Redmond voted against the bill.

I believe my engineering education in information systems, time managing a large component manufacturing division for an electronics company as well as years of volunteering (CASA for 12 years, serving at the cold weather shelter, raising scholarship money for women resuming their education, and monitoring services for disadvantaged people) have given me the experience and skills necessary to be a productive member of the library board.

With your support, my deep love for and commitment to Redmond will ensure that our city’s voice will be heard when I am on the board. Your vote for me means our success.