By PAT SHENIGO Erie County Commissioner Editor's note: We asked commissioners Shenigo and Tom Ferrell Jr. for columns about their endorsements in the May 2 primary for Erie County Commissioner. We received one from Shenigo.

The Bellevue Library isn't just a place to find a good book to read, you can learn anything! Granted our library does not always have the book you may want, but you can request it from one of the other libraries in the CLEVENET system. You can learn a new language, read about world history and other cultures, find a new recipe for dinner or learn a new craft.

My family does not use the Bellevue Public Library on a daily basis but we have always used it and feel not having a library available would be a huge loss to so many who do participate in what it offers. Stop in and see for yourself what is available, if you say you do not use it or have no need for it. I would bet your family members and your neighbors use it if you were to ask them.

I am a resident of the city of Sandusky, which a lot of people forget is in Erie County too. As far as the water rates, they should be a dead issue.

I am not a resident of Margaretta Township. I have grandchildren who attend the school. Whatever reason you have in voting down the school levy is your own personal business. Maybe you have something against the board, but the students didn't cause the problem. Remember, the board has to come up for re-election.

I urge my friends and neighbors to vote for Bill Monaghan on May 4. Bill has done an excellent job as our commissioner. He has kept services going without borrowing money or raising our taxes. He has worked hard to bring jobs to Erie County. He has reached out to Huron, Ottawa and Lorain counties to find better ways to work together.

The Nov. 4 election asks you to deploy the best person for the task of stabilizing our county resources and capture momentum in developing NASA, the U.S. 250 corridor and the expansion of sewer lines as a springboard for jobs. We have all faced a challenging year, and we have each probably made some painful choices. Now is not the time to change leadership.

SANDUSKY The jury just came back and they found Thomas Ricks guilty of aggravated murder. Ricks is one of two men suspected in the March 11, 2008, shooting death of Calvin Harper Jr. He faces life in prison. Erie County prosecutor Kevin Baxter described the murder as a set-up in a dangerous environment of drug dealings.

SANDUSKY Sandusky police officers are expected to ask for the city to use its emergency piggy bank to call back laid-off officers at tonight's city commission meeting. This and many other items on the agenda. Stay tuned to www.sanduskyregister.com to view the livestream video broadcast of the city commission meeting. It starts at 5 p.m.