It is certainly tone deaf at best to decide in today's budgetary situation to commit to an unknown expenditure of city funds to rename the library. Bring back the idea for discussion when the city is on good fiscal footing, PLEASE!
I oppose the naming of the Orange Library after the Murphys. I feel it is a bad precedent to set and given that the cost is unknown, it would fiscally irresponsible. There also is potentially a conflict of interest in that Mrs. Murphy is still involved behind the scenes in Orange politics.
I oppose changing the name of our Main Library and History Center for many reasons. At a time when our City is embroiled in major efforts to reverse a financial crisis, why add one more divisive and costly suggestion to the mix? Aren't tax increases, charter amendments, parking fees, and reduced services sufficient? Must we spend money to change the name of the library rather than hire people to operate it? And, on what basis choose former Mayor Murphy as the honoree? Although he served as mayor, did he do anything so outstanding that he should be honored above Mayors Smith, Cavecche, Coontz, or Slater? In fact, many people feel Mark Murphy helped bring on our current crisis. It takes time to understand a person's legacy; more than a few years.
I am gravely concerned with the obvious conflict of interest between Councilmember Tavoularis, who brings this motion, and one of the beneficiaries of this motion (Vikki Murphy). This comment has nothing to do with whether the Murphys are deserving of having the library named for them (that isn't the issue here).
The issue is that Ms. Murphy acted as an officer for both Wilson Automotive and the Dave and Holly Wilson's charitable foundation (two separate and distinct entities). In her capacity as officer, Ms. Murphy signed/signs on behalf of these organizations - effectively, on behalf of the Wilsons. Regardless, the Wilsons donated significantly to Councilmember Tavoularis' campaigns and those donations seem to be playing a part in Agenda Item 8.1.
At the very least, Councilmember Tavoularis must recuse herself from the discussion and vote.
I am writing as the Parliamentarian of the Friends of the Orange Public Library to express my strong opposition to the proposal to rename our public library. While I recognize and respect the intent to acknowledge the Mayor’s contributions to our community, proceeding with this initiative at this time is fiscally irresponsible. Our city is currently facing significant budget constraints. Despite these low funds, the city has not conducted a comprehensive financial analysis of the total costs associated with this renaming. Changing the name of a public institution incurs substantial hidden expenses, including updating physical signage, rebranding the municipal website, and destroying and reprinting all public educational and marketing materials. In a time of fiscal scarcity, our limited tax dollars must be prioritized for direct public benefit. These funds would be far better served if they were allocated to purchasing new library books, expanding digital resources, or extending operating hours for our community. Opposing this renaming does not diminish or disrespect the Mayor's dedicated service to the City of Orange. However, true stewardship of our city requires financial prudence. I urge the City Council to vote against this proposal and focus our resources on preserving and strengthening the vital services our library provides.
I think it’s an irresponsible position for the city council to take to consider renaming the library after a local politician. If Mark Murphy had an impact on the library then consider perhaps naming the community room after him. It may be more appropriate than to consider than the entirety of the entire library and history center.
I find it ironic that the council person who is most vocal about closing/selling the Taft branch is the one promoting this unpopular idea. Our city shouldn’t be spending any extra money on frivolous vanity projects right now.
I am shocked at this proposal and strongly opposed to the renaming of the Orange Public Library and History Center. The current name forever connects the institution to the community. We must continue to honor the History in the name and ensure this public institution keep its identity.
At a time when the City faces a tight budget and the library funds have been greatly reduced, it doesn’t make sense to add the expense of new signage, printed materials, websites, maps, stationary and everything else made necessary. This is a very bad indication as to the way the City of Orange conducts business, especially the way this has been handled.
I strongly and wholeheartedly oppose the renaming of the Orange Public Library. Why is this even a thing? Such a complete waste of money, time, energy, and resources.
Orange City Council Meeting Agenda Item 8.1
I am opposed to the renaming of the Orange Public Library and History Center. The name connects the institution to the community, first as Orange Public Library and then as the Orange Public Library and History Center. Let’s continue to honor the History in the name. And let this public institution keep its identity.
At a time when the City faces a tight budget and the library funds have been greatly reduced, it doesn’t make sense to add the expense of new signage, printed materials, websites, maps, stationary and everything else made necessary. This is a bad look for the way the City conducts business, especially the way this has been handled.
Please vote NO on item 8.1.
Thank you,
Rosemarie Williams
I am opposed to renaming OPL after Mark Murphy and his wife. What a rediculous, Trumpian, vanity project. I basically cannot see the city taking the time and expense of elevating Murphy to such a "lofty" position, when there are more pressing needs - like the budget deficit!
A more suitable acknowledgement would be to name the council chambers after the Murphys, put a plaque up on the Civic Center wall, or plant a tree with a plaque. Please don't change the name of or library. It's name is synonymous with our city
Most libraries are named after the city where they're located.
Why are we spending time and taxpayer money on renaming a library that isn’t broken? If this is one of the City’s priorities, I think we’re focused on the wrong things.
Residents deserve leaders who are working on improving our roads, public safety, parks, infrastructure, and the everyday issues that actually impact our community—not debating a name change that many people never asked for. I am shocked this is even a thing.
I am a library patron of Orange Public Library and History Center and I oppose the renaming of this great library. The proposed name is too long with the addition of the mayor title, and 2 names to remember. Even if the renaming passes, people will still keep calling it Orange Public Library since it's shorter, and much easier to remember the city it's named for. Renaming the library erases the historical significance of the City of Orange itself. The City of Orange and Orange Public Library are so much more than the 2 people being named after. Thank you.
Dear Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council,
I am writing to express my concern about the proposal to rename our public library at a time when the city is facing a budget deficit. While I understand that recognizing individuals or updating public facilities may be well-intentioned, I believe this is not the right time to prioritize a project that could require public funds and staff resources.
Renaming a public library often involves expenses such as replacing signs, updating printed materials and digital records, revising maps and directories, and making other administrative changes. Even if these costs are relatively modest, they represent resources that could instead be directed toward maintaining library services, expanding programs, preserving operating hours, or addressing other essential community needs during a period of financial constraint.
Our library serves as a vital resource for residents of all ages. It provides access to educational materials, technology, job-search assistance, children's programming, and community spaces. During a budget deficit, I believe the city's focus should be on protecting these core services rather than undertaking changes that may offer limited practical benefit.
I respectfully ask the City Council to postpone consideration of renaming the library until the city's financial situation has improved. If the proposal is revisited in the future, I encourage the Council to ensure there is meaningful public input and a transparent discussion of the anticipated costs and benefits.
Thank you for your time, your service to our community, and your consideration of my concerns. I appreciate your commitment to making responsible decisions that reflect the best interests of our residents.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Martinez 850 N. Lynn Drive Orange, CA 92867
It is certainly tone deaf at best to decide in today's budgetary situation to commit to an unknown expenditure of city funds to rename the library. Bring back the idea for discussion when the city is on good fiscal footing, PLEASE!
I oppose the naming of the Orange Library after the Murphys. I feel it is a bad precedent to set and given that the cost is unknown, it would fiscally irresponsible. There also is potentially a conflict of interest in that Mrs. Murphy is still involved behind the scenes in Orange politics.
I oppose changing the name of our Main Library and History Center for many reasons. At a time when our City is embroiled in major efforts to reverse a financial crisis, why add one more divisive and costly suggestion to the mix? Aren't tax increases, charter amendments, parking fees, and reduced services sufficient? Must we spend money to change the name of the library rather than hire people to operate it? And, on what basis choose former Mayor Murphy as the honoree? Although he served as mayor, did he do anything so outstanding that he should be honored above Mayors Smith, Cavecche, Coontz, or Slater? In fact, many people feel Mark Murphy helped bring on our current crisis. It takes time to understand a person's legacy; more than a few years.
I am gravely concerned with the obvious conflict of interest between Councilmember Tavoularis, who brings this motion, and one of the beneficiaries of this motion (Vikki Murphy). This comment has nothing to do with whether the Murphys are deserving of having the library named for them (that isn't the issue here).
The issue is that Ms. Murphy acted as an officer for both Wilson Automotive and the Dave and Holly Wilson's charitable foundation (two separate and distinct entities). In her capacity as officer, Ms. Murphy signed/signs on behalf of these organizations - effectively, on behalf of the Wilsons. Regardless, the Wilsons donated significantly to Councilmember Tavoularis' campaigns and those donations seem to be playing a part in Agenda Item 8.1.
At the very least, Councilmember Tavoularis must recuse herself from the discussion and vote.
I am writing as the Parliamentarian of the Friends of the Orange Public Library to express my strong opposition to the proposal to rename our public library. While I recognize and respect the intent to acknowledge the Mayor’s contributions to our community, proceeding with this initiative at this time is fiscally irresponsible. Our city is currently facing significant budget constraints. Despite these low funds, the city has not conducted a comprehensive financial analysis of the total costs associated with this renaming. Changing the name of a public institution incurs substantial hidden expenses, including updating physical signage, rebranding the municipal website, and destroying and reprinting all public educational and marketing materials. In a time of fiscal scarcity, our limited tax dollars must be prioritized for direct public benefit. These funds would be far better served if they were allocated to purchasing new library books, expanding digital resources, or extending operating hours for our community. Opposing this renaming does not diminish or disrespect the Mayor's dedicated service to the City of Orange. However, true stewardship of our city requires financial prudence. I urge the City Council to vote against this proposal and focus our resources on preserving and strengthening the vital services our library provides.
I think it’s an irresponsible position for the city council to take to consider renaming the library after a local politician. If Mark Murphy had an impact on the library then consider perhaps naming the community room after him. It may be more appropriate than to consider than the entirety of the entire library and history center.
I find it ironic that the council person who is most vocal about closing/selling the Taft branch is the one promoting this unpopular idea. Our city shouldn’t be spending any extra money on frivolous vanity projects right now.
I am shocked at this proposal and strongly opposed to the renaming of the Orange Public Library and History Center. The current name forever connects the institution to the community. We must continue to honor the History in the name and ensure this public institution keep its identity.
At a time when the City faces a tight budget and the library funds have been greatly reduced, it doesn’t make sense to add the expense of new signage, printed materials, websites, maps, stationary and everything else made necessary. This is a very bad indication as to the way the City of Orange conducts business, especially the way this has been handled.
I strongly and wholeheartedly oppose the renaming of the Orange Public Library. Why is this even a thing? Such a complete waste of money, time, energy, and resources.
I would like the Library to remain as the Orange Public Library.
Orange City Council Meeting Agenda Item 8.1
I am opposed to the renaming of the Orange Public Library and History Center. The name connects the institution to the community, first as Orange Public Library and then as the Orange Public Library and History Center. Let’s continue to honor the History in the name. And let this public institution keep its identity.
At a time when the City faces a tight budget and the library funds have been greatly reduced, it doesn’t make sense to add the expense of new signage, printed materials, websites, maps, stationary and everything else made necessary. This is a bad look for the way the City conducts business, especially the way this has been handled.
Please vote NO on item 8.1.
Thank you,
Rosemarie Williams
I am opposed to renaming OPL after Mark Murphy and his wife. What a rediculous, Trumpian, vanity project. I basically cannot see the city taking the time and expense of elevating Murphy to such a "lofty" position, when there are more pressing needs - like the budget deficit!
A more suitable acknowledgement would be to name the council chambers after the Murphys, put a plaque up on the Civic Center wall, or plant a tree with a plaque. Please don't change the name of or library. It's name is synonymous with our city
Most libraries are named after the city where they're located.
Thank you,
Douglas Howerton
Orange, CA
If you do this I will take a dump in the fountain every single day.
Please focus on the needs of the residents of the city of Orange — renaming the library is a waste of time and resources
Why are we spending time and taxpayer money on renaming a library that isn’t broken? If this is one of the City’s priorities, I think we’re focused on the wrong things.
Residents deserve leaders who are working on improving our roads, public safety, parks, infrastructure, and the everyday issues that actually impact our community—not debating a name change that many people never asked for. I am shocked this is even a thing.
- Caroline
Stop. It’s an orange public library leave it at that
I am a library patron of Orange Public Library and History Center and I oppose the renaming of this great library. The proposed name is too long with the addition of the mayor title, and 2 names to remember. Even if the renaming passes, people will still keep calling it Orange Public Library since it's shorter, and much easier to remember the city it's named for. Renaming the library erases the historical significance of the City of Orange itself. The City of Orange and Orange Public Library are so much more than the 2 people being named after. Thank you.
Dear Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council,
I am writing to express my concern about the proposal to rename our public library at a time when the city is facing a budget deficit. While I understand that recognizing individuals or updating public facilities may be well-intentioned, I believe this is not the right time to prioritize a project that could require public funds and staff resources.
Renaming a public library often involves expenses such as replacing signs, updating printed materials and digital records, revising maps and directories, and making other administrative changes. Even if these costs are relatively modest, they represent resources that could instead be directed toward maintaining library services, expanding programs, preserving operating hours, or addressing other essential community needs during a period of financial constraint.
Our library serves as a vital resource for residents of all ages. It provides access to educational materials, technology, job-search assistance, children's programming, and community spaces. During a budget deficit, I believe the city's focus should be on protecting these core services rather than undertaking changes that may offer limited practical benefit.
I respectfully ask the City Council to postpone consideration of renaming the library until the city's financial situation has improved. If the proposal is revisited in the future, I encourage the Council to ensure there is meaningful public input and a transparent discussion of the anticipated costs and benefits.
Thank you for your time, your service to our community, and your consideration of my concerns. I appreciate your commitment to making responsible decisions that reflect the best interests of our residents.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Martinez 850 N. Lynn Drive Orange, CA 92867
As a resident of Orange I oppose the renaming of our public library.
Do not change the name. This is so ridiculous.