Elaine Pizzicaro: 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: RoselleWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Roselle Library Board (4-year Terms)Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: Widow, One SonOccupation: Free Lance Marketing Consultant and Corporate Event Planner. Past Marketing Manager at a global commercial printer.Education: AA College of DuPage.Civic involvement: Trustee Roselle Public Library District, Board of Trustees appointed 1995, elected 1996 Roselle Library Foundation, Treasurer Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Committee Roselle TIF Committee Member Active member Trinity Lutheran ChurchElected offices held: Trustee, Roselle Public Library District Board 1996-PresentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Continue to be fiscally responsible by maintaining a balanced budget, a clean audit and research available grants to supplement tax revenues to benefit patrons.Key Issue 2 Creation and implementation of a new Strategic Plan for the direction of the library.Key Issue 3 Maintain a good working environment for staff and an enjoyable atmosphere for patrons, including an upgrade of the seating to maintain a pleasant and functional setting.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 the library is a fundamental part of our community and a center of information, recreation and continuing education. I am proud of the programs and services the Library currently provides, and I look forward to continue helping improve the collection, technology and services. I have been honored to serve as a District Trustee for the past 16 years, and I welcome the opportunity to continue representing Roselle residents.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 special contributions you could make.The success of a library is a joint effort, but a few of my initiatives are: - Successfully led executive director searches - Instrumental in updating and writing policies - Track legislative bills concerning libraries by maintaining contact with state and local legislators - Attend library workshops and conferences to broaden and strengthen trustee knowledge - Attend Village of Roselle Board Meetings to keep informed of items that might impact the LibraryDo you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes, I have used my library card weekly since moving to Roselle in 1974.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 is always an issue in any library. A space analysis has been done and while it would be exciting to expand, it is not feasible at this time. However, the computer lab, study room and staff workroom were recently repositioned to make more efficient use of space for patrons and staff. While technology has certainly impacted library services, as it has in all industries, the Library District's diverse population and age groups make use of all components that currently make up the library collection. Therefore, I do not advocate elmiminating any part of the collection at this time.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?Unlike other taxing bodies, the Library is unable to charge fees for library-sponsored programs. Tax revenues cover day-to-day operating expenses, but the Library has relied on state grants for extras which are no longer forthcoming or have been delayed. Moreover, our library district is subject to a tax cap, which limits how much tax may be levied. Despite these limitations, by careful financial management, we have recently managed to re-surface the parking lot and install new library signage. In today's world, a library remains relevant not just by incorporating technological change, but demographic change as well. Consequently, the Roselle Library provides a Wi-Fi network for public use and has expanded technology databases. Classes are available to help any technology-challenged patron that might need it. We now offer patrons more library subscriptions from twelve subjects, as well as the ability to download books from the e-media link. The library continues to be a center of information in our community.