SEIU Local 721 submits writ to Simi Valley City Council during December 2011 hearing
“We are pleased that the judge heard our case and has blocked Simi Valley from contracting out their library services to a private contractor. We look forward to the next hearing on April 9 which will determine the legality of the actions taken by Simi Valley in establishing a new library system,” said Bob Schoonover, SEIU 721 President.
The next hearing on April 9 will determine the legality of the actions taken by the City of Simi Valley when it withdrew from the Ventura County Library system and established its own municipal library. The hearing date was set at an early date so a decision could be reached before the city’s six month transition deadline with the Ventura County Library system.
Long-time Simi Valley resident, Garr Wharry at City Council public hearing
“I don’t want to see the city’s residents, including taxpayers, hurt by this rushed move to leave the County Library system. The city is running into more and more unexpected costs including the cost of the lease and of having to repurchase items that belong to the County,” said Garr Wharry, long-time Simi Valley resident and a co-petitioner on the lawsuit.
The City of Simi Valley is still allowed to proceed with its Request for Proposal (RFP) process on managing the City’s library system. During this time, the city has an opportunity to be transparent and reach out to the public to be a part of this community process.
Related links
- Union sues to block Simi Valley’s withdrawal from county library system (Ventura County Star)
- Employee union sues to stop library switch (Simi Valley Acorn)
- Union Sues to Block Library Outsourcing RFP (American Libraries Magazine)