Library: A Need for Harmony, Not Rancor

As usual, the battles in Monterey Park escalate into full-blown wars (Sept. 15) with the help of headline-seeking media and the various associations from outside the community that are poised to cry racism for any reason, justified or not.

The latest war involving Library Board President Kathleen Brzozowski is much ado about nothing. It would never have gone anywhere if people weren’t looking for a fight.

As a volunteer in our community, I had occasion to work with the former librarian. Although she appeared to be a nice person, I can’t say I was impressed with her managerial acumen or her ability to follow up. The fact that she resigned, had her contract bought out, and that library board members were told by attorneys not to discuss the situation, is not unusual in the public or private workplace. Yet Marina Tse broke that trust and I believe was deservedly criticized by Board President Brzozowski.

This entire episode makes Mayor Judy Chu’s celebration of Harmony Month in Monterey Park both farcical and hollow. I believe the two combatants should be put in a room to iron out their differences. Send the activists from Cerritos, El Monte and elsewhere back to their forts and let’s get on with the business of running our library.

IRV GILMAN

Monterey Park