Statement before the Glenn A. Walsh
Library Association:
Formula
Committee Telephone: 412-561-7876
Recommendation Electronic Mail: < gaw@andrewcarnegie.cc
>
Internet Site: < http://www.andrewcarnegie.cc
>
2009
June 23
Good evening. I am Glenn A. Walsh of
The committee set-up to recommend a new library
funding formula has also recommended that a
by-law amendment be approved requiring a
supermajority of two-thirds of member libraries for approval of a new formula.
I strongly support this by-law amendment.
Without the passage of this by-law amendment, a
simple majority would be all that would be required for approval of a new
formula recommendation to the RAD Board. Yet, what would happen if a proposed
formula is approved with just a bare majority? Will some libraries complain to
the RAD Board? Will there be legal action if the RAD Board approves a formula
which nearly half of the membership opposes?
Will the RAD Board members look at an ACLA
proposed formula, approved by a bare majority of members, and think, “We spent
all this time and money, and the result is the same—half approve the proposed
formula and half do not” ? Will the RAD Board then allow ACLA to have any more
input into a new formula, or will RAD simply mandate a formula of their own
choosing?
Now, some fear requiring a supermajority vote
for the formula may not result in a finalized ACLA recommendation. Well, this
may happen on the first ballot. Then, there needs to be a second ballot
and a third ballot, etc., until a new formula reaches a supermajority.
And, yes, this may require continuing
negotiations among members until the supermajority is reached.
At the present time, such additional ballots
after additional negotiations, require 30-day notices before a new vote can
occur. I suggest that you propose a new by-law amendment, which can be approved
next month, which allows additional ballots the same evening, should the first
ballot not reach a supermajority. Yes, I am suggesting that this vote be
treated as it would be at a national political party convention.
True, the proposed formula may not be ready by
mid-July. However, RAD does not approve a preliminary budget until October. RAD
Board members may not like it, but to avoid receiving more library complaints
and possible legal action, RAD may be willing to wait a little longer to
receive the final ACLA proposed formula.
Think about it. Thank you.
gaw