Renton starting to do what we do best... working together to find our way

It's been a turbulent twenty-four hours for everyone involved in the Renton libraries. Last night's council meeting comprised two hours of testimony and council deliberations, ending in a 3 to 4 council split. I was in the minority, while the majority voted to take no action on the citizen library petition. The complete story on the debate can be found in Renton Patch

But before the council chambers cleared, there were conciliatory overtures and mutual expressions of desire to resolve this-- no one felt comfortable with so much division in our community. And by this afternoon Mayor Law was working with KCLS, city officials, and councilmembers to find a way to put the location of the library on the ballot. I'm relieved to see us all pulling in the same direction again, and I know other Renton officials feel the same. We are an amazingly effective community when we are all working together-- our Renton citizen/business/government collaborations and partnerships are the envy of the region.

So I'm hopeful and appreciative tonight. I'm also inspired by the people in our community, who were eloquent, informative, and even poetic in the council meeting, and made me proud to live in Renton.

When we start to look towards a vote on the library location, we should also consider options for improving our downtown. If you have not read it yet, I described work in my hometown in this blog here. Perhaps we can find a way to take some similar steps in downtown Renton. All of your ideas are appreciated.

Thanks again everyone.