September 18, 1998
San Diego residents are using a new resource to keep a watchful eye on the backgrounds and job performances of their elected officials. The San Diego Public Library has been selected among thousands of libraries nationally by Project Vote Smart to participate in a pilot program this election year. The library has teamed up with the national non-partisan organization to combat political illiteracy by providing a unique Voter's Self-Defense System and free publications on California elected officials and candidates for public office to local residents.
Partially funded through a major grant from the Carnegie Foundation, Project Vote Smart has supplied the San Diego Public Library with free copies of the Voter's Self-Defense Manual and access to special research services through the Vote Smart Web (www.vote-smart.org) and Voter's Research Hotline (888-VOTE SMART). These enable citizens to access the voting records, issue positions, campaign finances, and performance evaluations of more than 13,000 elected officials and candidates for political office, including those in California.
"The wealth of non-biassed information we're able to provide our patrons is a fantastic asset and we urge people to come in and pick up a free Voter's Self-Defense Manual," commented Fran-ces Bookheim, San Diego Public Library Librarian IV. "Library patrons tell us they are happy to finally have a resource that has all the information about their elected officials in one easy-to-use system," Bookheim added.
The Voter's Self-Defense Manual gives a detailed look at the California delegations' performance evaluations by competing special interests, where the money came from for their last campaigns, and exactly how each member has voted on key pieces of legislation before congress. Free copies can be obtained by anyone who requests a copy at the library or by calling 888 VOTE SMART.
"Project Vote Smart is delighted to be working with the San Diego community to provide access to unbiased, factual and accurate information on elected officials and candidates," said Whitney Wil-cox, Project Vote Smart Library Services Director.
The Voter's Self-Defense Manual is just one of the free publications and special services San Diego library patrons can now utilize. Library patrons can also call the toll-free Voter's Research Hotline (888-VOTE SMART) to obtain the free research services of Project Vote Smart interns and volunteers. In addition, they can consult the Vote Smart Web Yellow Pages, a guide to government and politics on the Internee, and the Reporter's Source Book, containing concise issue briefs and referrals to issue experts, in the library reference collection.
Project Vote Smart, a national, non-partisan research and information effort founded by such prominent leaders as Mark Hatfield, Bill Bradley, Geraldine Ferraro, and Barry Goldwater, maintains a rigid standard of balance and accuracy in its research on more than 13,000 candidates and elected officials. The Project, which accepts no money from special or corporate interests, is funded by the contributions of 50,000 supportive citizens.
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