Library Banner
An article by C&G Newspapers tells the story of how the Rochester City Council objects to a banner hanging inside the Rochester Hills Public Library. When Rochester Media visited the library for a photo of the controversial banner, the front desk attendant didn’t know anything about the banner or where it was. According to the C&G article, it’s been hanging in the staircase since November.
City of Rochester Hills Banner hangs in the staircase at the Rochester Hills Public Library – photo by Michael Dwyer
Political or Celebratory?
In the article, it is suggested that the banner is a political advantage for Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett because it has his name on it. Mayor Barnett is running as a write-in candidate this year. His name is the smallest part of the banner. Most of the banner celebrates recent recognitions for the city of Rochester Hills.
Library Board President
Library Board of Trustees’ President, Douglas Tull, told Rochester Media the he is “proud of” the banner and what it stands for. Rochester Hills is a “strong mayor form of government” said Tull, and doesn’t feel Mayor Bryan Barnett’s name is political for being on the banner. President Tull explained how most strong mayor forms of government usually display the current mayor’s name with the city logo on signs, banners, and announcements. He also says RHPL Director, Christine Lind Hage, has full control of day-to-day operations, which includes the banner. The library plans to keep the banner hanging for a full year, until November 2015.
Near the window, the Banner is actually difficult to see while using the stairs – photo by Michael Dwyer
Mayor Bryan Barnett
The mayor told Rochester Media that the banner is part of celebrating the city with its partners. “Organizations like the Rochester Hills Public Library, who have contributed to this nationwide recognition,” said Barnett, shows “a comprehensive effort to share this good news with residents and non residents alike…The banner hanging in the Rochester Hills Public Library is designed to do just that.”
Regarding the claim of the banner being political, Mayor Barnett says, “The idea that this banner is political simply because it has my name on it is preposterous. My name is not political – it is my name. My title is not political – it is the title given to me by the residents of Rochester Hills.”
All three communities are welcomed to celebrate with banners at the library. “I support the independent library boards decision to keep the banner flying and adding any other non political banner that Rochester or Oakland Township would like to put up as well. The City of Rochester Hills would be pleased to share in the celebration of your successes,” said Mayor Barnett.
Additional comments could not be obtained by press time.
Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett’s name is the smallest part of the Banner – Photo by Michael Dwyer
The C&G Newspaper Article
A banner inside the Rochester Hills Public Library touting Rochester Hills as one of the top 10 cities in the nation by Money Magazine has members of the Rochester City Council up in arms . . . READ MORE
Is Library Banner Political or Celebratory?
Please tell us your thoughts in the comments area below . . .
About Michael Dwyer
Political definitely. As is the title Mayor to think otherwise is pure spin.
The City of ROCHESTER HILLS is being recognized for extraordinary efforts by the ROCHESTER HILLS Public Library. Bryan Barnett is the Mayor of ROCHESTER HILLS. If this wasn’t an election year, I doubt anyone would have made an issue out of it. In fact, they probably would have said “Well done Rochester Hills. Well done Mr. Mayor”.
Political. And, it just keeps coming.
Someone just told me to check out our water bill. Yup! Instead of the usual reminder about sprinklers and the city’s watering ordinance – it’s a reminder on how to spell Mayor’s name for his write-in campaign.
“Join Mayor Bryan K. Barnett”
One Home One Tree
Sure, I like the idea of the tree program – but it won’t save us $ like the ordinance, and has nothing to do with water.
It’s pretty transparent.
The celebration of the city is worthy of recognition, the Mayor’s name is political as is name on water bill. Simply find an attractive way to cover the name on the banner and all the controversity is over. Let’s support a fair playing field for all candiates and no unfair advantage.