Richard Wallett: Candidate Profile

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: South ElginWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Gail Borden libraryAge: 44Family: Married for 22 years with two children 16 and 10.Occupation: Independent Consultant. Currently working in family accounting practice RL Accounting located in South ElginEducation: Bachelors in Business Administration from Roosevelt UniversityCivic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NOCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 As trustee there is a responsibility to the taxpayers to take an active interest in the library finances and decision making. I will take this responsibility seriously and do what I believe is in the best interest of the taxpayers of the district.Key Issue 2 The taxpayers have a right to full disclosure and transparency is a must. As a trustee I will push for a line item approval of expenditures and stop the blanket approval process currently in practice.Key Issue 3 We need to elect board members who can be respectful and professional while working together to take care of library business.Questions Answers Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?After reading about all of the chaos that has plagued the current library board, I feel it is time for a change. There is no mudslinging or finger pointing that needs to be done but my experience in business tells me that when so much disruption is present nothing productive can be accomplished. The fact security is mandated during meetings and trustees can not have access to information they need to make decisions they were elected to make represents the gridlock that has ensued. Voters I talk to have expressed big concerns over these issues and want and expect better. Lastly as any avid lover of reading and 20+ years in management this position is a great fit for me. I can foster stability and help restore order on the board, while acting as an advocate for the taxpayers who elected me. If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of important initiatives you've led. If you are a non-incumbent, tell us what contributions you would make.NADo you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes I have a Gail Borden library card. I am an avid reader and read at least 2 books a month. Reading is one of my favorite hobbies. I realize the importance of everyone having access to books and promote activities that make this possible.Space is usually an issue at libraries. If that's the case at your library, would your solution be to expand the physical plant or make room by doing away with parts of the collection that technology has made less critical? Explain.With the evolution into E Books I do not advise spending more taxpayer money on brick and mortar. Existing space should be utilized efficiently and waste and duplication done away with.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?Libraries stand as pillars in their communities. I believe we need libraries in communities for this reason. With the advent of E Books, videos, and other electronic media the look of libraries may change but they will still be revelant. They will continue to provide resources to the community and act as a hub for information.