Thomas H. Hausman: 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:BioQA Bio City: AntiochWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Antioch libraryAge: 69Family: Married, 2 daughters, 1 granddaughterOccupation: Retired teacherEducation: BA Marquette UniversityMA Marqueette UniversityCivic involvement: PML Theatre; Antioch Rotary Club; Northeastern IL Rose Society; Lake County Fair Association (Superintendent of Floriculture)Elected offices held: Library Board Trustee; Antioch Public Library DistrictHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoQuestions 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?I wish to maintain the atmosphere of a friendly library open to all and safeguarding the rights of all to read, listen, or view whatever materials the patrons desire. I am also interested in ways to improve our facilities over the next few years to meet the demands of a growing district population.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.We recently approved a measure to resell our building bonds in order to save the district $170,000 in interest fees over the next ten years. I also spearheaded a move to expand the use of meeting rooms to political groups as long as they comply with the library's regulations on room use. This action was confirmed by the board. I also initiated a ""Meet the Library Candidates Night"". This is now our ongoing policy.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes. Since I've lived in Antioch - 35 years. Regularly.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.We have always had an eye for the future and are exploring ways to increase both building and parking space. This will be an important facet of our deliberations over the next four years. We will make sure that we keep a firm fiscal eye on any expansion that may become necessary.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?We have made sure that we are keepng up with the technological and informational innovations. A library is no longer just the repository of books. We have many programs for children, teens, and adults. We have a computer lab and service the patrons with classes on the uses of this important link to modern day information. Interlibrary services are available and we have electonic books. Libraries such as ours make every effort to help our patrons find the recreational and informational materials which they need to enrich their lives.