In October 2023, Seaside City Councilor Steve Dillard was approached by a group of distraught women who stumbled upon Seaside Public Library’s banned book display, offering youth prizes to read as many selections as possible.

Councilman Dillard listened with an open mind. He immediately began researching who had authority, and policies to deal with books for minors that parents might object to. We waited patiently as the issue was passed back and forth, while rumors and erroneous newspaper articles fueled false accusations that Dillard would ban or segregate books, denying First Amendment rights to some patrons.

They neglected to disclose library policy (page 34), opposes “all attempts to restrict access to library services, materials and facilities based on the age of library users.” It is not a violation of the First Amendment to place children in a protected category.

I don’t understand such contempt towards an exemplary councilman whose goal is to represent his constituents. Steve even reached out to hostile upset citizens to hear their side of things, which is rare. He’s the voice of our aim to protect the innocence of children from sexually explicit materials. His crime : Daring to question policies, period.

We all respect free speech. No one wants to ban books! A common sense change of checkout policy or location of questionable books is surely an acceptable solution. Recalling Councilman Dillard is not!

We could wait a long time for a servant of Steve’s integrity and dedication to come along again. Vote “no” on the recall.

JUDY MACE

Seaside