Letter to the editor: Disappointed in library's rejection of union workers

Regarding the article “Norwin library renovations begin; library to reopen Wednesday” (Jan. 14, TribLive): The $500,000 renovation project will include a new family restroom, a second meeting room, interior painting, new flooring and automatic doors, which sounds wonderful. Our library has been working hard with wonderful programs for all ages.

However, I have a problem with the library board turning down a $456,000 grant from the state because the library board did not want to pay prevailing wages that the grant required.

This attitude is why so many union carpenters, welders, plumbers and electricians have left the Democratic Party.

It seems to me the library board composed of white-collar professionals doesn’t value tradesmen and only feels highly educated careers should be paid for their skills.

I hope at some point this attitude toward our blue-collar professionals changes and elite leaders will see the value in paying prevailing wages for hands-on quality work. Maybe some day our tradesmen will be looked at as equals in the community.

The library’s annual report for 2023 shows taxpayers gave the library $500,000, and it received $140,000 from the state, plus investment revenue of about $90,000. The library also received grants and gifts for a total of about $783,000 per year.

I’m not happy that our blue-collar professionals within the community won’t benefit from this work, especially since our tax dollars are the main source of their funding.

Lynda Funk

Trafford