Story & Poll: The Case For Measure L

In 1998, Solano County residents passed an 1/8 of a penny sales tax to add library hours and increase library services. Now, on June 5, county residents will be asked whether they wish to continue that tax.

Since 1998, libraries have been able to offer more homework help, job search services, more books and materials and children's programs.

Measure L would keep the status quo, maintaining an estimated $5.2 million injection into the county library system, a full 22 percent of its budget, according to pro-Measure L campaign literature.

Because it continues an existing tax, it wouldn't raise taxes.

According to the pro-Measure L website, www.keepsolanolibrariesopen.com, "Without this funding, library hours will be cut, book and materials budgets will be slashed, and some branches may close."

Just as a illustration of what the money does for Suisun City, take the

In 1997, a year before the passage of the money, the libarary offered only 36 children's programs. In 2011, it offered 325 programs.

So far the Daily Republic and the Benicia Herald have run editorials in favor of this measure and all the candidates for the 11th state Assembly district have endorsed it.

As far as I can tell, no politician has come out against it. Am I wrong? tell me in the comments. More importantly, what do you think?