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Mayor Hartnett called on those speakers in the audience who wished to address the Council regarding this issue. Nineteen of the following twenty people spoke in favor of the proposed Community Partnership Project to Improve Redwood City School District Library/Media Centers: Richard Gordon, 609 Price, Redwood City, Chair of the Education Committee of the Redwood City San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce described the Chamber's commitment to raising funds for this effort. Mr. Gordon stated it was good business to care about children. John Lee, President of the Redwood City San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce, described the proposal as a community endeavor and committed the Chamber to its success. Jack Greenalch, former Redwood City Mayor, urged approval stating the leaders of the City had to tell children they care and show them through their policy decisions. He cited surveys listing Redwood City Schools as only fair in comparison to the City's outstanding police and fire departments, and stressed the importance of seizing this opportunity to better the educational opportunities for our youth and bring the expertise of a specialist not only to the schools, but to Redwood City's 70,000 residents as well. He urged the Council to support the proposal. Keith Bautista, 3010 Sterling Way, Redwood City, attended Redwood City schools from Kindergarten through graduation from Sequoia, Class of '58, member of the Chamber's Education Committee, stressed the importance of the business component in the proposal, and urged the Council to support the effort to reduce barriers to quality education in Redwood City. Doug Finlay, 360 Summit Drive, Redwood City, member of the Redwood City Elementary School District Board thanked Council for its support and urged a unanimous approval of the proposal. Chris Bohl, 3924 Lakemead Way, Redwood City, thanked the Council and committee members who helped with the proposal, thanked the Chamber, parents, teachers, and library staff. He spoke of this proposal as a starting point for further collaborative efforts. Dr. Ron Crates, Superintendent of Redwood City Elementary School District, stated that the future economic health of Redwood City schools depended on partnerships such as the current proposal; it was a way of spending tax dollars in an efficient manner. Dr. Crates added that the District is committed to finding ways to generate resources to fund the partnership, and others, and commended the Council for taking such a major step in helping Redwood City schools. Special Meeting Minutes MINUTE BOOK NO. 54 January 22, 1996 Page No. 026 Page 6