Mayor Tony F. Mack opened the second of his “Learning Center Libraries” yesterday, at what is properly named “The Briggs Branch of the Trenton Free Public Library.” He did this despite being advised last week by members of City Council including his usually solid ally Council President Kathy McBride; despite pointed criticism from the New Jersey Library Association and ample evidence that these centers are illegal under New Jersey State Law.
But, he did it anyway. Although he and his colleagues at the formal opening apparently avoided saying “Library” yesterday. Perhaps they think if they don’t use the word, then all will be well.
No one is fooled. Books are not currently being loaned out, but according to the Times, “the mayor’s office plans to establish a borrowing system once it takes inventory and sets up a library catalog. It will solicit new books from ‘other organizations, grants and purchases from the learning center budgets,’ the mayor’s office said in an e-mail.”
Establish a borrowing system, which is a library function. This will require borrowers to have accounts with the system, and perhaps “library” cards. Buying books. Setting up a library catalog. Oh, and also “The mayor’s office plans to distribute 25 computers to the four branches within the next few months.”
Sounds like a library to me. Sorry, Mr. Mayor, that’s exactly what these facilities are. They are illegal.
And the numbers still don’t make sense. The day the Mayor opened the Skelton Branch, he announced that each branch would cost $30,000 per year; or $40,000; or $50,000. The following day that number had crept to $60,000. As of yesterday the quoted number is now up to $75,000.
And, no doubt, will keep rising. Because there is no way in hell that $75,000 per year can support this kind of expense, as quoted in the Times: “three part-time staffers to manage each facility,” “programs such as tutoring and ESL classes and setting up a website,” as well as all the software needed to set up and maintain a catalog, other software for computers, book purchases, building operations, security, heating, lighting, cooling, janitorial services and the like. No possible way.
But the Mayor will not be deterred. He is on a mission. He is quoted as saying yesterday, “I will advocate for young adults and children to have a brighter future, regardless of cost, regardless of who gets upset about it.”
Two of Tony Mack’s “Mayor’s Learning Center Libraries” are now open, and it’s All About the Children. So, what might children actually learn at these centers, and from Mr. Mack’s example?
- It’s OK to do things without permission, if you really want to.
- It’s OK to do things “regardless of cost.”
- In fact, you don’t even have to tell anyone what something is going to cost, anyway. It’s OK to make numbers up as you go along. Who cares if you double your estimates in one week? They’re made up anyway!
- When you hold up your right hand and swear to “faithfully execute the law,” if you cross your fingers on your other hand, it doesn’t count.
- You don’t need to ask lawyers for legal advice. In fact, it’s better if you don’t. Just do what you like!
- Any budgets and grants that are supposed to be used for specific purposes? Those are just suggestions. Rules and regulations for budgets and grants, especially Federal grants, don’t count for much. Ignore them.
- You are not responsible or accountable to anyone for anything. Smile and wave, and you can get away with anything.
- Do it all for The Children. Or, at least, just say so. You’ll get away with anything.
- Promises? For chumps.
Yep, that sure is Some Kind of Learning going on at the Mayor’s joints.