I am writing to add my concerns over the proposal for rebuilding the Menlo Park Main Library that was prompted by Mr. Arrillaga’s funding offer. It seems to me that this is not how democracy is supposed to work. In a democratic system, the people and their representatives determine the priorities of the community, and then work together to secure funding. But in this case, a wealthy person is attempting to dictate the priorities of the community by dazzling the people’s representatives with an offer of a large amount of money — albeit with strings attached. If this proposal is allowed to stand, then essentially a single person has determined the city’s priorities in spending for the next several years, by dangling money in front of the council. Charitably, one might call this oligarchy, or perhaps plutocracy, but what it really looks like is bribery. I am not attributing any sinister motives to the donor — I suspect he is simply used to using money to get his way. But I feel it is unseemly and inappropriate for the council to roll over and abdicate their responsibilities to the public based on this rich man’s whim. Sincerely, Max Heim 184 San Andreas Drive Menlo Park mvheim_at_(domainremoved) Received on Tue Aug 22 2017 - 11:23:10 PDT
