Dominick J. Leo: 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: N. AuroraWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Messenger libraryAge: 68Family: MarriedOccupation: Retired engineer and maintenance manager.Education: Bachelor of Science in Engineering Operations, Iowa State University, 1968.Master of Science in Industrial Engineering, Iowa State University, 1971Civic involvement: Friends of the Library Group which does volunteer work and fund raising for library programs.Knights of Columbus.I volunteer time to my church and the library to do maintenance work when needed.Elected offices held: Trustee, Messenger Public Library, 2007-2011.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 That the library has materials and programs to meet the needs of all groups.Key Issue 2 That the facility is well maintained and provides easy access for individuals with special needs.Key Issue 3 Candidate did not respond.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?I believe my engineering education and experience allows me to analyze library operations and the library facility and to recommend improvements and help solve problems.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.I have been very involved in having windows installed in the library porches to increase available space by extending the number of months the porches can be used from 3 to 9 months.I am presently involved in adding a railing to the sidewalk to assist individuals with health issues and adding additional lighting to the front of the building.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?I have had a North Aurora library card since 1996.I am in the library several times a week and use my card once a week.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.Before making a decision to do one or the other, I would want to analyze both current and projected space needs, the usage of the existing collection, and alternatives available for getting items if we eliminated them from our collection. I would also analyze the costs associated with the various options.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?The downturn in the economy and the state's financial problems have reduced or delayed funds that libraries depend on for there normal operations, making it difficult for some libraries to maintain service levels. While new technology will provide more options for meeting the needs of library patrons, it will also require training for both staff and patrons on how to use it. To remain relevant a library needs to expand its methods of providing service so that the needs of all groups are met. The library's role should be to meet the needs of the whole community.If there is an increase or decrease in the needs for various services, every effort should be made to adjust programs to handle these changes.