LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

12/10/2023 12:00 AM

No cuts to library funding

Editor: In a Boerne Star Letter to the Editor December 3, Richard Caldwell’s hyperbolic allusion to Hitler and Nazi Germany is offensive and insensitive.

As an American of German descent, I find your reference a connotation of antisemitism and particularly thoughtless at a time when we are saddened by so many slain in the Israel-Hamas war.

Additionally, you stated incorrect information about the Kendall County Commissioners Court defunding the Boerne and Comfort libraries.

You wrote, “At a past Commissioners Court meeting, a vote to cut funding for the Comfort and Boerne libraries was made by County Judge Shane Stolarczyk, Commissioners Andra Wisian, and Chad Carpenter; their reasoning is that there are books that they feel are offensive in our libraries.”

This is false. By a unanimous vote, on September 7, 2023, the Commissioners Court adopted the fiscal year 2024 budget which includes a 4% increase in funding for both the Boerne and Comfort libraries and a 6% increase for the Kendalia Library.

The Commissioners Court oversees the county budget, which is funded by tax dollars. A Court member has the responsibility to look into any concerns expressed by taxpayers about how their money is being spent, including inquiries about public library books containing sexually graphic illustrations targeted to minor children.

My research found that the books I was asked about were not in the Boerne Public Library. Additionally, the library has a procedure allowing patrons to pursue the removal of a book.

Mr. Caldwell, during this season promoting “peace on earth and goodwill toward men,” rather than writing mean-spirited and inaccurate letters, contact your commissioners to talk about your concerns. I regularly meet with many constituents and I would be happy to meet with you as well.