[BHC] August 9 Free Press article

[ChristieTrapp at aol.com]

Sometimes newspapers have reporters write articles for the paper based on the 
information they gather.  Sometimes newspapesr print articles that are sent 
in by the public if they are well researched and have something to say.  
Another way to do this is through the Letters to the Editor.  If more and more 
people write in to the paper and they are published, the word will get spread to 
those readers who do read the Letters to the Editor section of the paper.

What it really is going to take is a front page article that specifically 
spells out exactly what has been going on with the DPL over the past couple of 
years - the fraud perpetrated by the past director -- if not fraud, then the 
next thing to it as we can't formally accuse him of fraud unless it has been 
proven, otherwise the paper could get sued.  So we have to carefully couch what is 
written to effectively show that shanigans were going on.

Then we need to discuss the process of the new hiring of the new director - 
was it done fairly?  What changes have been implemented at the DPL as the 
result of that person's taking on the duties.

The problems the library has had with funding at the local level and at the 
state level.  What this "fee" is suppose to do and how it is now effectively 
stopping people who can't afford, won't pay the fee, or for whatever reason, is 
now not going to visit the DPL to do genealogical research or any research in 
the various collections that are now barred unless the fee is paid by the 
individual.

How this can be viewed as a regressive tax, the issue of the "agreements" 
between the various local libraries that allow "free" access.  A discussion about 
the agreements when the facts of the agreements become known - John? any luck 
in getting the agreements yet?

What the benefits of the Michicard is suppose to give people and whether or 
not it is going to give one access to the collection without paying the fee.  
Who doesn't have to pay the $100.

Where the money is suppose to go that is collected by the DPL -- general 
funds, special collections, etc.?  Or is the money really going to be used to 
cover salaries, expenses of the library, and the like?

I think if something could be written up and presented to the Detroit Free 
Press to be published either as a one-time long article or perhaps as a series - 
3-4-5 or even a week-long series to open this up and get people talking about 
it.  John, since you have a lot of these facts at hand, perhaps you can get a 
group together there where you reside who would be willing to help you sort 
out your facts and put them into a cohesive report or newspaper type article 
and get with the newspaper when you get it published, this might accomplish what 
we need - outrage.  Oh, perhaps also send the article throughout the state of 
Michigan or even published on the internet as well with links to such 
websites as Cyndislist under the Michigan heading or even contact Cyndi Howell - the 
person in charge of Cyndislist to see if she will put something on her webpage 
about the DPL.

Another way to get the word out is sending information to the genealogical 
societies throughout the United States.  That will involve postage, but perhaps 
a few might even publish something in their newsletters they send to members.  
It could be a short 1-2 paragraphs for this avenue of getting the word out, 
but I seriously doubt that a lot of people don't know about this new fee going 
into effect yet.  So a lot of people are still in the dark.

Just some thoughts.  As I am in California I can't participate in this 
avenue, but hope a few of the local Detroit/Lansing, etc. people who are on this 
list might step up to the plate and help John produce these articles.

Christie Trapp
Fairfield, CA
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