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Public comment focuses on Lapeer District Library book access and board appointments
Summary
Dozens of residents used the meetings public-comment period to contest book placements in the children's section of the Lapeer District Library and to urge the county commission to consider ethical and procedural standards for appointments to the library board.
LAPEER COUNTY, Mich. — The second public-comment period at the Lapeer County Board of Commissioners meeting drew extensive testimony about the Lapeer District Library, with residents urging different outcomes on book placement and library-board appointments and requesting clearer ethics and social-media expectations for public officials.
Leslie Getz of Mayfield Township read a collection of hostile messages she said were sent by Commissioner Kevin Nisley and called those messages inappropriate for an elected official. Karen Bacheco urged commissioners to consider adopting an ethics ordinance and a social-media policy, citing social-media messages she said were misleading. Several speakers — including Peggy Brodsky, John DeAngelo, Geraldine Carson, Rhonda Lore and others — spoke about concerns over library books they consider inappropriate for children and urged that such titles be moved out of the childrens area. Some speakers framed their positions around parental rights and age-appropriate access; others argued that restricting access amounts to book banning.
John DeAngelo, a library board member, said Mayfield Township produced a three-year seat agreement for a library appointment and that the township had voted to appoint Carol Brown to the seat; Peggy Brodsky and others said that appointment would stand. Multiple speakers on both sides asked the county commission to consider the qualifications of applicants when the county fills its four staggered seats on the Lapeer District Library board.
Commissioners who spoke during comments reiterated the countys limited role over district libraries: the district structure assigns certain seats to townships and four seats to the county commission, and the commissions formal appointment process follows an advertised application period. The county administrator and chair said the application window for multiple boards closes March 14 and the full board will make appointments at its March 27 meeting. Chair remarks emphasized that the county appoints members and then relies on the library board to make collection decisions.
Ending: Commissioners asked members of the public to apply for vacant seats if they want the commission to consider their preferred candidates and said the commission will follow the posted process and timeline for appointments.
