Janet Anderson

Burlington

It was an honor to work for the Minot Public Library, and the City of Minot, for more than 10 years and I’d like to take this opportunity to share some appreciation and some thoughts.

First of all, thank you to the patrons of the Minot Public Library. Whether you used the library to check out books or video games or chainsaws or only use digital options. Library customers are simply the best kind of customer. If you’re not using one of your local libraries you are truly missing out and I don’t understand why you’d let that happen.

Next, the Minot Public Library would be nothing without the amazing staff. From the newest employees hired in 2023 to those who have been there for over 40 years, these people are dedicated to serving you. They take pride in their work, and it truly shows. MPL is in good hands.

Additionally, the Library has been exceptionally fortunate to have a stellar list of Minot citizens as past members on the Library Board. The membership of this governing body currently consists of the most supportive and passionate library supporters I have had the privilege to work with. The Friends of the Library group is also full of great community members and many of your favorite services, such as the Summer Reading Program, are made possible thanks to them.

Finally, I’d like to thank the City of Minot employees who made my job easier and who help our community daily. Most people working for the City, especially in leadership positions, do so to help the community they call home. These people are your neighbors and they put up with a lot just to do their job. In the private sector these people would likely make more money, have better benefits, receive bonuses, and not have to put up with the bureaucracy and public criticism. If you want to do something for Minot, consider applying for a job with the City of Minot.

For those engaged citizens with concerns about intentional deception and/or wrongdoing within local government, let me tell you: it would be darn hard to pull one over on anyone. Between the micromanaging of elected and appointed officials as well as the public, along with the half a dozen layers of red tape a person has to go through for just about anything, deception is unlikely. Yes, it’s good to keep our government in check and it’s cathartic to complain about “the City.” However, it should be noted that the same people who have no problem dragging others through the mud, have no concerns about wasting taxpayer dollars with their incessant demands. Go ahead and whine, but also think about stepping up.

THREE City Council positions are open next year — start planning your campaign. If you’re not ready for that, check out the City’s Boards & Committees webpage and submit your information to be considered. Stay informed. Pay attention to the great things your local library has to offer by following them on social media or signing up for the digital newsletter. Attend a program at MPL and join the Friends of the Library. Follow City happenings using the same methods and by attending Council meetings. Especially as the City gets ready to prepare the 2024 budget, attend meetings and review documents and drafts available online.

The 2024 budget schedule has been available since April 3rd so there’s no excuse for being uninformed (side note: departments spend from March/April through November preparing the budget which means: 1.) Department Heads only have a few months’ break from budgeting and 2.) there is really NO reason for you to not know about the budget). If you can’t find the information, try contacting your local library!