Letter: A public apology is in order

The 2002 library expansion project was closely scrutinized by then City-Parish President Walter Comeaux and the City-Parish Council. Everyone at the time, including the voters, understood that there were two separate items on the ballot: (1) authorization for issuance of $40 million in bonds for construction and (2) a millage for “operation, maintenance and construction” of libraries. The plan developed by the library board contemplated that some of the millage revenue would be used for construction.

When the library proposal was put before the council, Gail Smith (the library director at the time) and I went before that body to answer questions about the proposal. We also had separate meetings with the city-parish president and some council members just to get our proposal on the council’s agenda for discussion and a vote. After the they approved the proposal’s inclusion on the Nov. 5, 2002, ballot, Gail Smith and I attended numerous public forums to answer questions about the proposal. I remember being asked tough questions and candidly answering every one of them. (People who know me say that candidness is part of my charm.)  

The proposal voted on by the taxpayers on Nov. 5, 2002, was communicated very clearly as an authorization for the issuance of $40 million in bonds for construction and a millage for “operation, maintenance and construction.” Those were two independent, separate items on the ballot that taxpayers approved. Below are excerpts of a brochure (red) and Powerpoint slides (blue) used in educating the public about the proposal. Fortunately, I retained copies of both. Who could have anticipated that 16 years later a politician with absolutely no involvement or personal knowledge surrounding the proposal would assail the integrity of the hard-working, dedicated volunteers who spent countless hours to improve library services throughout the Parish?

As anyone can see, the millage was for “operation, construction and maintenance” and the taxpayers were provided a clear, forthright explanation of the proposal. Everything was put on the table; there was no trickery or deception about what the taxpayers were voting on. Anyone suggesting otherwise simply lacks knowledge of the facts as they transpired in 2002. What is also clear is that the taxpayers voted on these millages for library use only.  

Now, moving forward to today. Because of the excellent stewardship of the library directors and the board of control over the years, it is my understanding that the library is on sound financial footing with sufficient funds to complete construction of the Scott/Duson regional branch — without incurring additional debt — and to continue the level of excellent service it provides.

(A contributing factor was likely the low interest rate environment that the library construction project benefitted from over the years. I was not involved as a volunteer with the Lafayette Public Library after July 31, 2007, having moved out-of-state to pursue a career in higher education. Therefore, I have no first-hand knowledge of post-July 31, 2007, events.)

When does that happen in government? It happens when you have a dedicated group of volunteers (who are not politicians) overseeing the spending of tax dollars in the public interest.  In my opinion, Mayor-President Joel Robideaux should be thanking the group of volunteers who have served on the Library Board of Control over the years and have been excellent stewards of the public’s money.  

In my opinion, Mayor-President Joel Robideaux should be thanking the group of volunteers who have served on the Library Board of Control over the years and have been excellent stewards of the public’s money.  

Although I now live in Colorado, I am more informed about the happenings in Lafayette than Colorado Springs because Lafayette is and will always be home. Lafayette is where my heart is, and I care deeply about a strong Lafayette Public Library System. I visit several times a year and will be moving back when I retire. There is no substitute for the Cajun culture and its people.   

I was offended when I read that the integrity of the members of the board of trustees in 2002 (including Lee Verret, Susan Hamilton, Bill Stagg, Nancy Evans, Jody Williamson, as well as later members such as Dr. Jean Kreamer, Dr. Vanessa Hill and Pat Logan) was questioned by someone with absolutely no first-hand, personal knowledge of the events surrounding the 2002 bond and millage proposal. Anyone with personal knowledge of the workings of the library knows the people who volunteer to serve on the board of control always act solely in the best interest of the library system and the public. Board members have nothing personal to gain from their service other than better library services. Their motivations are simple: They volunteer for a better Lafayette. The irresponsible act of challenging the integrity of this group discourages others from volunteering for the betterment of the community. A public apology is in order.

Blaise M. Sonnier, CPA, JD, PhD, served on the library board of control from 1993 to 2002, as its president from 1996 to 2002, and as the chairman of the library’s building committee from 2002 to 2007. He is licensed attorney and Certified Public Accountant.  He is now an accounting professor and department chair at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Prior to entering academics, he practiced law in Lafayette for 21 years.