Philip Howe: 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: GrayslakeWebsite: http://naOffice sought: Grayslake Library Board (6-year Terms)Age: 65Family: Wife, two adult daughtersOccupation: AttorneyEducation: J.D. Georgetown University 1972 B.A. Fairfield University 1969Civic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: Grayslake Library Board 2007 to present. Grayslake District 46 board in 2000.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Maintain a well run library with a balanced budget.Key Issue 2 Candidate did not respond.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?Reelection to a second term. Libraries are fun and great public resource. I intend to keep this library focused on excellent public service.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.As President of the Library Foundation, I appointed community members to the board of directors. We have revitalized the fund raising mission of the Foundation. We are about to host our third fund raiser in three years after a gap of several years. One Library Board member must be on the Foundation Board of Directors, so I volunteered.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes. Since I was 5 years old back home.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 are always looking at the role of technology. The Foundation purchased Nooks for the Library patrons. Kindles are also available. Many patrons prefer the books, so we will keep them. The library collection is periodically reviewed for little used books and others that can be removed from the catalog and donated to schools, such as the Prairie Crossing School, or sold by the Friends of the Library at their semi-annual book sales. At some point in the future, after the present bonds are repaid, it may be necessary for the Library Board to discuss physical expansion of the library building. To date, we have filled in an open area in the second floor youth section, repositioned and purchased more shelves, and rearranged the library collection to accommodate the expanding collection. There is no more space to use, which is why the collection is reviewed periodically.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?A library is relevant through the collections it has and the services to patrons it offers. We strive mightily to provide a variety of activities to mothers and children during the week, have a teen area, and have many presentations for adults. We have to watch our budget and the taxes raised to operate the library very carefully. Technology is constantly reviewed for patron computer access enhancements. I do not think the library's role in all these areas needs to change substantially because our excellent staff is constantly reviewing all these issues. The library is popular in the community and we work hard to keep it high in the public esteem.