ENDORSEMENT: Vote for Bauman

In the May 20 election there are two candidates for a seat on the Community Library Network (CLN) Board of trustees: Victoria Bauman and Michelle Lippert. Both want the CLN libraries to be welcoming, encouraging, safe places for discovery. There is, however, a difference in their foundational ideas that frame the meaning of “welcoming,” “encouraging” and “safe.”

The principles that would guide Victoria in her duties as a trustee are more supportive of these qualities for Library patrons of all ages.

She is in full support of Idaho code 18–1517b. This Law prohibits libraries from making sexually explicit materials available to minors without parental consent.

She is in full support of Idaho Code 32–1010, the Idaho Parental Rights Act. She affirms parents’ right to oversee all aspects of a child’s education. Parents can borrow any CLN book for their child that they think would be helpful or educational.

It is clear that Victoria has no interest in banning books or in stifling intellectual discussion. She does recognize the vulnerabilities of children during key developmental stages. She knows that premature exposure to explicit images or narratives can hamper development as well as normalize trauma. For a teenager’s firsthand account of such negative outcomes, see her website voteforvictoria.com.

Victoria’s background in public relations, communication, education and recruiting equip her very well for the administrative roles of the CLN. Being a mom and homemaker gives her further firsthand knowledge of the value of the local library as well as a strong incentive to develop that value.

Please vote for Victoria. She will be a great asset for keeping our libraries strong, relevant and modern.

WILLIAM GREEN, Ph.D.

Coeur d’Alene