I wonder what motivates the 25 or more people who are working so tirelessly on the Committee for a New Arlington Library. They obviously realize how important a new and expanded library is for the Arlington community. I am thankful for their dedication to this very worthwhile cause. Our time at committee meetings, work parties, telephoning, various community organization presentations and distributing information to the voters is time well spent and shared by many on the committee.

I also wonder where our energy might be spent if we all were not so passionate about building a new library. What other organization(s) might we all choose to support with our time and talents? Several committee members worked tirelessly to see the Performing Arts Center finished. Several of us worked tirelessly to plan and enjoy the Grand Opening of the new Olympic Avenue in Oldtown Arlington. Several of us, over the years, have supported the school and hospital expansion projects. The list goes on. Have any of these projects or events made Arlington a better place to live? Of course, but their completion did not come without a price tag on them. We all benefit collectively, whether we live within the city limits of Arlington or not. We can all share in the benefits.

We all give of our energy without ever expecting applause or recognition for succeeding at any particular project. What we do expect is the voters support and passion we all have to make the Arlington Community the best place on earth to live and raise our families. I urge you to vote Yes for a new Arlington Library and the Library Capital Facilities Area. Mail-in ballots will arrive soon after May 1. Mark the ballot Yes in two places and mail it before May 20.