I agree that libraries are a great idea, but I’m certain there are better uses for that $36 millon. Below, my proposals could be accomplished and have $ left over for 1 or 2 branch libraries.

Dear Mayor Bieter; if you’re going to sell “surplus” land, use the funds to construct the Esther Simplot Park, the Boise River Whitewater Park and the 30th Street Extension! The 30th Street Extension would be necessary not only for the ES Park but also for moving Hawks Stadium downtown. (Did anyone catch that blurb at the end of the article?)

In my opinion, my proposal would be a much bigger bang for the citizen’s buck than branch libraries. The ensuing construction boom in the sorely neglected west downtown area would increase the city’s tax base, in an area that’s not subject to CCDC’s tax sheltering quagmire. Mayor, you talk consistently about the benefits of developing where the infrastructure is already in place, well, please read the above 2 paragraphs again.

My obligatory admission of bias…I own 2 small properties near the above mentioned parks.

There is an amateur website detailing info about the proposed whitewater park. I would like Guardian readers to check it out, especially the economic benefits gained by Reno.

http://myweb.cableone.net/shirtmaker/links/BoiseRiverWhitewaterPark.html