Saverio (Sam) Lucente: 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: Glendale HeightsWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Glenside libraryAge: 51Family: Married for 23 years with 2 daughters 19 22 years old. The last 16 years within the Glenside Public Library district.Occupation: Director of Software DevelopmentAspect SoftwareEducation: Bachelor of Science, Electrical EngineeringIllinois Institute of TechnologyCivic involvement: Glenside Public Library District Trustee 1997 - 2011Charter member and Chairman of IT Committee of Glendale Heights 1995-1996Elected offices held: Glenside Public Library District Trustee 1997 - 2011Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 My top campaign issue continues to be, making sure the Library meets the needs of its patrons. This ranges from 1) keeping relevant and up to date books and other materials both in printed and digital form, 2) state of the art search engines to access the material, and 3) a computer lab area catering both young adults and the adult patrons.Key Issue 2 As a trustee, I take very seriously my fiduciary responsibility to use the assets according to the best interests of the Library and community.Key Issue 3 I am always concerns with the safety and well-being of the facility, both inside and out. And I pledge to keep the Library a safe place to visit. This entails working with local village offices, local police, and the local area schools.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 being trustee for four years, I feel my work is not done. I want to continue assisting the board in making this library district the best it can be for its patrons.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 participated regularly with the board in all key decisions being made for the library. I also tend to challenge the financial decisions to ensure the best use of the funding available to the library. I have been the GPLD Secretary for half my current term with the Board.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes, I've had a library card since becoming a resident 16 years ago. And on average, I use it bi-monthly.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.Space at the Glenside Public Library is not as serious an issue as it once was or currently is with other districts. The library periodically reviews the space taken up by the collection and adjusts according to the needs of the patrons.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?During the last few years of economic slowdown, the Library as other institutions has been force to tighten their budgets. However, that does not imply that service or technology changes have suffered as a result. Our patrons continue to use our computers and digital media as part of the services expected from the library. The library must continue reevaluate the needs of the patrons by examining current trends and working with its local patrons, the local schools, and village officials.