Francine Byron: 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: BartlettWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Bartlett Library Board (6-year Terms)Age: 49Family: 3 adult childrenOccupation: Legal AssistantEducation: Trade schoolCivic involvement: Bartlett Volunteer Fire AssociationElected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 I wish to continue offering programs for all ages. Try to keep families involved in programs and our community.Key Issue 2 To raise our transparency rating. I believe the tax payers have a right to be able to review how their money is being spent.Key Issue 3 I would like to see the library district keep up to date with modern technology and increase its offerings of electronic books, as well as continue to have up to date computer systems.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 want to stay involved in my community. I think Bartlett is a great town and would like to see it continue to be a great place to live for years to come. I chose the library district because it played such an important role in raising my children.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 been attending the library district meetings and I feel the board could use some fresh ideas and that I can possibly bring them a new outlook as there are no "middle aged" women on the board.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?I do have a library card and I got it shortly after I moved back to Bartlett, about 1 1/2 years ago. I use it occassionally, as I see the need to.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.It would depend on the amount of space needed and what the space is needed for. I am not opposed to expansion if there are no better 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?As our economy calls for cut backs, technology offers us an opportunity to offer electronic means to our patrons. I beleive in the long run this will save us money. Our library has offered incentive programs, as well as classes, to promote the use of electronic devices. I would like to see this portion of the library grow, as it is the means of the future.