Cuts at library questioned
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
SUSAN PARADIS ROBERTS and her husband, Jeff Roberts, of Presque Isle, expressed concern over the proposed elimination of Susan’s part-time position at the library during the citizens’ comments portion of Presque Isle City Council’s meeting Nov. 5.
By Kathy McCarty
PRESQUE ISLE — Proposed cuts in staffing at the Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library took on a more personal tone Monday night, as one of the employees facing the loss of her job stepped forward to speak during the citizen comment portion of City Council’s monthly meeting.
Susan Paradis Roberts and her husband, Jeff Roberts, took turns at the podium, expressing their concerns over the proposed cuts and how Susan Roberts, who works part-time at the library, was told she may be out of a job.
“I suffer from deafness and cerebral palsy. Over the years, teachers told me not to give up. My family supported my goals and my husband is my advocate,” said Susan Roberts.
She said she loves her job as library clerk in Presque Isle and working with the public.
“I love to meet people,” she said.
“I understand the economic problems. Just don’t kick me off for the wrong reasons; kick me off for the right reasons,” said Susan.
Her husband spoke next on the proposed cuts at the library and how the issue has been handled.
“I have to say I’m unimpressed with the unprofessionalism of the City Council, city manager and Turner Memorial Library,” said Jeff Roberts. “My wife received e-mails from friends telling of the layoff. I told her they were just rumors and to ignore them.”
On Friday, Oct. 5, he said his wife found out her position was up for elimination however.
‘On Oct. 5 she was called in by the librarian to discuss termination,” said Roberts. “It was published in the newspaper (municipal budget article in the Oct. 3 issue of The Star-Herald) before she was even notified her job was in danger.”
Jeff said he was disappointed in the way the situation’s been handled.
“I feel the City Council, the library and city manager have shown poor personnel management skills. I’m deeply concerned my hard-earned tax dollars are spent to manage the city when you can’t even manage your staff,” said Jeff.
Due to her disabilities, Jeff said his wife has to restrict the number of hours she works so not to jeopardize her Social Security. The part-time position at the library fit her schedule, he said.
“Because of her handicap we feel she’s been targeted for termination. This wreaks of discrimination,” said Jeff. “I am disappointed.”
Councilors moved on to other matters without responding. Under the proposed 2013 municipal budget, City Manager Jim Bennett has recommended eliminating a 16-hour-a-week position at the library, the full-time library secretary and the facilities manager (effective the end of May).
