In the buildup to the November election, I kept waiting for the Winston-Salem Journal to weigh in on the proposed $40 million bond for Forsyth County public library improvements, including $28 million for a new downtown library.
No endorsement was ever issued, and now we know why: the Journal has a potential conflict of interest because its downtown building is being considered as one of the possible sites for the new central library.
But now that the bond has passed, let there be no doubt about where theJournal stands on the subject:
Modern libraries are costly, but they’re an economic driver. They serve students and adults trying to find jobs. They’re community-gathering places. They add to the quality of life, helping to attract new companies and residents. State-of-the-art libraries send a message: Their communities have vitality and vision, and care about learning.
We have a fine central library here in downtown G’boro, but I had no idea it was all that and then some. At any rate, Forsyth County Commissioner Gloria Whisenhunt, who will become chair when Republicans take charge, says she wants to go through budget process before the county starts selling bonds in what will be a very tough fiscal climate.
