Library Journal Choice for 2004 Politician of the Year

Library Journal has announced their 2004 Politician of the Year:

“Building a 21st Century Library System for San Diego” was one of ten goals Mayor Dick Murphy issued when he took office in January 2001. The Mayor’s purpose was “to create a city worthy of our affection” by 2020. Libraries ranked right up there with strengthening police and fire protection, reducing traffic congestion, building affordable housing, establishing energy independence, cleaning up the pollution of the city’s beaches and bays, and even building a new baseball stadium. The rare combination of a mayor giving the city library system as high a priority as other crucial city services, articulating a long-term vision for the development of that plan, seeking allies to support it, and sticking with it even when it became a campaign issue attracted the attention of LJ’s editors… [more]