Support LOST in C.R. to help others

Why do I, a resident of Cedar Rapids, care about funding for the Marion library? Because approximately half of their patrons are non-Marion residents, such as me.

The Marion library levy on Tuesday's ballot will raise the levy from 4 to 27 cents. This levy has been at 4 cents since 1989. Think how operating costs have risen since then. When the present library opened in 1996, staff numbered 22 and circulation was 206,000. In 2012, circulation had risen to more than 900,000 and yet current staff is only at 28. Staff must be added to continue the excellent service. For more information, log on to www.marionpubliclibrary.org.

The second issue on Tuesday's ballot is the local-option sales tax. In Marion, plans include 30 percent of the money for community projects, including the expansion of the library. I also support the LOST in Cedar Rapids, which would be used for street repairs. The vote must pass in Cedar Rapids in order for Marion, Hiawatha, Robins and Fairfax to be eligible for their own LOST funds.

Bonnie Raasch

Cedar Rapids