In reading the letter to the editor written by Jim Ruddy and signed by 99 other Rockport residents, I am confused as to exactly what are their issues.

They ask for a "comprehensive independent survey" to "gather real (and quantitative) data regarding all the issues related to the future of our Library." What sort of "real and quantitative data" are they referring to? What would they consider to be a "comprehensive independent survey?"

Last fall a listening tour was held in the five villages in the town to gather information about what folks wanted in their library. While the data gathered was not quantitative, it did cover a wide field of issues about libraries and the meetings were run by an unbiased, independent, expert from the University of Maine.

The letter asks for an "independent and thorough analysis (by expert professionals)" of the condition of the current library. Again, what would they consider to be an "independent and thorough analysis" and who would they consider "expert professionals?"

The current library building has been examined by construction professionals several times over the years to evaluate the condition of the building and to recommend repairs. The latest round of examination and analysis included both construction and engineering professionals, two of whom — Allen Mitchell and Will Gartley — are among the local leaders in their fields and who are well regarded by their peers and clients.

The letter asks for an "extended (three-hour minimum) Select Board/Citizens Workshop" to discuss library issues. This will happen on Aug. 5, when a public hearing is to be held at the Opera House. Folks can not only speak at the meeting, but submit written comments and if not everyone gets a chance to talk, additional hearings will be scheduled.

The letter ends by asking the select board to "assume the responsibility for managing and overseeing the above actions." As was pointed out at the July 14 select board meeting, the select board does not have the authority to manage anything regarding the library except the budget relating to salaries and waste water. The select board does have the authority, though not the obligation, to call a public hearing on a potential warrant article and it has done so (Aug. 5).

The letter asks for that "comprehensive independent survey be taken of the entire town to gather real (and quantitative) data" regarding the library. I submit that a non-binding referendum on the November ballot would more than meet the request for "a comprehensive independent survey" of the entire town and the results would be quantitative.

Helen A. Shaw
Rockport