Thursday, February 12, 2009; A16
The disapproval resolution by D.C. Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) against the almost $10 million contract to rebuild the Watha T. Daniel Library in Shaw was not indiscriminate, whatever council member Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) may say ["Weapon of Mass Obstruction," editorial, Jan. 27].
Last summer, the D.C. Public Library's welcome new redesign for a jewel box library was shockingly downgraded to something resembling the brutalist structure that had just been razed.
Time spent reacting to this design mess prevented the community from discussing other important library amenities.
Shaw residents have asked their officials repeatedly to convene a working group with Chief Librarian Ginnie Cooper to address concerns about security, inadequate bathrooms and lack of lighting on the lower level, and their desire to have a green roof, a coffee shop and a classroom.
The Post may consider the disapproval resolution as used by Mr. Barry a "weapon of mass obstruction," but for Ward 2 residents, it was a tool for achieving greater transparency and good government.
Mr. Barry's action was judicious and served the public interest.
CHRIS OTTEN
Washington
The writer initiated the Shaw Library Study Group and is a community organizer with the District Library Dynamos, an initiative of the Library Renaissance Project.
Original Source Here
LIBRARY
DYNAMOS