Carol Stream library fiscally responsible

I served the residents of Carol Stream as library board trustee from 2007 through 2012. I always approached my role on the board as an advocate for the citizens of Carol Stream to ensure that the library maintains its status as the primary information resource for residents and, at the same time, demonstrate that the library operates in the most efficient and financially responsible manner. I do believe that the board President Mike Wade, Trustees Jerry Clark and Susan Galle, and candidates Justin Moran and Joshua Jeffrey will adhere to this philosophy and are worthy of your support.

From 2009 through 2012, I have had the privilege of working with Trustee Mike Wade, and I feel he has appropriately addressed patron service and facility issues as to both budgeting and the amount of tax that we levied on you. From a long-range planning perspective these candidates have a commitment to the current facility and are addressing all appropriate revenue or return on investment options with respect to the land owned by the library on Kuhn Road. The current board leadership has been quite proactive in listing the property, evaluating sale alternatives, and exploring intergovernmental lease options while the property is on the market.

The board at this time continues to improve library operations in a fiscally responsible manner without compromising service to the patrons. These include maximizing interest earned on operating funds, securing a tax exemption on the Kuhn road property, revising library bylaws to allow for appropriate oversight, implementing automated time keeping to save taxpayers money, identifying line-item savings for use in the upcoming budget and levy process, and recognition of professional staff services through appropriate merit compensation.

Thomas F. Arends

Carol Stream