Ed Novak: 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: 57Family: Married, two childrenOccupation: Assistant Retail ManagerEducation: Bachelor of Science in Finance, Northern Illinois University, 1978Civic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: Precinct Committeeman, 2012Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: No.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Due to the slow economy, I am putting the library budget at the top of my campaign issues. Trustees must look at all options to limit increases to the current budget. I am open to adding a new program as long as a review of the old programs can identify the least popular programs. Approval of a new program then would replace the least popular program.Key Issue 2 Need to identify how a Library of today stays relevant to the patrons. The Library of 10-15 years ago is not the same Library that serves the patrons today. A library today should be thego to? place when a patron is seeking information about a topic. The Library has also been the source for books and other media that provides the patron a source of pleasure or entertainment. It's a tricky balancing act that can change over a short period of time.Key Issue 3 Computer hardware and software advancements have changed how information is accessed by the public. I'd like to see a annual review that covers what is on the market. Technological advancements should be reviewed to determine the future direction of how the Library provides its services.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 feel a sense of civic duty. I have witnessed my real estate tax bill increase and watched our State deteriorate. I feel a lack of civic involvement has been the major cause for our current state. The library has been my favorite and most used local asset. The Library is well run. In order for that to continue, concerned citizens without a political agenda need to be active in overseeing the operation. I believe with my background in store operations, I can bring fresh ideas and use the problem solving skills I?ve developed to enhance the operation of the Bartlett Library.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.Candidate did not respond.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes, I have a library card. I've had a card for five years. My use is not consistent but averages about once a week.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.I do not see the Library floor space being an issue at this time. There are times when the Library gets pretty crowded, but those times are few. Before expanding the Library I would want to look at all the other alternatives.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 economic slowdown has delayed implementing the latest technology. New technology takes funding and some of the technology can get pretty expensive. Not having some technology may turn off some patrons but I think most people understand. The library stays relevant by being creative and being responsive to areas the patron would like to address. The library does play a part in the community. It is a meeting place for people. The only part the library can play is to attract community members by giving the community a reason to visit and spend some time at the facility.