Bruce Jefferson: 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: PalatineWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Palatine Library Board (4-year Terms)Age: 54Family: Candidate did not respond.Occupation: Candidate did not respond.Education: High School: Portage Indiana High School Undergraduate College: Indiana University Degree earned: Bachelor of Arts Major: Psychology Graduate College: DePaul; College of Law Degree earned: Juris Doctorate Major: LawCivic involvement: Member First United Methodist Church Palatine Illinois State Bar Association Local Boys Scout Troop 69Elected offices held: None, other than current Trustee position currently held.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: No.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Maintaining high service standards that the community needs with decreased or flat lined finances.Key Issue 2 Maintenance and physical upkeep and updating of the library faculties.Key Issue 3 Expanding the access to various digital collections such as e-books and downloadable audio books.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 see this as an opportunity to serve my community. In addition, I strongly believe in the mission and objectives of the library. I spend a good deal of time in the library and I feel I can be an asset as a Board member.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.I have extensive experience working with Boards, Commissions and Committees and I am able to work well others including outside shareholders, professional staff and the public. I have experience in problem solving among groups with varied interests and points of view. My biggest contribution to date has been my work with Staff and other Board members on the development of this year's budget.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes. I have had my Palatine card for at about 7 years. I use it every week, though often by accessing Library assets though the internet.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.My solution would be a more efficient use of existing space.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 Palatine Public Library has increased its value to its patrons by providing programmatic activities to the public over and above its traditional lending functions. We will need to continue this in the future. In addition, it is imperative that the Palatine Public Library successfully maintain and expand the quality and quantity of its e-book collection. This is our challenge for the near future.