Council to Add 2 Library Board Members, Oks Kid Venture Funding
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Anderson County Council gave final approval Tuesday to expanding the public library board from five to seven members, with two new at-large seats.
Only Councilman Glenn Davis, who has expressed concerns since the proposal was first introduced, voted against the measure. The crowd was larger than a usual county council meeting crowd, but not as large as on Feb. 20, when people were turned away from the meeting.
Thirty-one citizens spoke for more than an hour on the proposal, 21 against and 10 for, before council voted on the measure.
Most of the comments were in line with the last meeting, with those opposing two new council members raising objections to excluding kids who might be marginalized if the board is expanded to add members with conservative agendas beyond library books. Three physicians said limiting access to books which include transgendered and LGTBQ children could result in serious problems for those already struggling. Opponents to the measure also maintained there was no need for expanding the board, declaring that it is the job of parents to monitor what their own children read but not what other children should be allowed to read.
Former library board member Julie Harts worried the move could be “a slippery slope” if one group was allowed to push an agenda onto the county council and the library board.
Those who favored adding two at-large members charged that the new members were needed to uphold community standards, and protect “the innocence of children.” Bible verses were quoted, including warnings of the “judgment of God” on those who harm children, and charges that the children’s library contained materials that are either inappropriate, pornographic or both.
Anderson Grandmother Janet Stewart said it was the time to adjust the board, to counter the “Leftist agenda” of those in the library who seek to “undo morals and values instill in children.” “They are after our children’s hearts and minds,” said Stewart. “They want to lure children away from their moral foundations.”
(Watch complete comments in video below recap)
Council also approved moving ahead with a fully funded KidVenture 2.0, approving $1,363,000 to finish the second phase of construction. The design work on KidVenture 3.0 is already under way. Councilman Brett Sanders thanked S.C. Sen. Richard Cash, R-Anderson, for securing $750,000 of the funding. The remainder of the funds will come from the accommodations tax paid by visitors to the county.
Also, on Tuesday night, council approved, on second reading: The issuing of up to $1.25 million in bonds for improvements to the Home Park Water District, where upgrades and repairs are needed, and a lease agreement with Hope Missions of the Upstate, for the building on Tower Street. The ministry provides the county’s warming and cooling shelter during inclement weather, offers services to those who are struggling in the community with food, job placement, housing and other needs.
And, on first reading, council approved tax incentives for “Project Blue Star,” the expansion of a local business that promises 51 new full-time jobs, with wages of more than $30 per hour.
Sanders recapped the meeting for the Anderson Observer.