All 3 challengers win Bartlett library board race

The three challengers appear to have defeated the lone incumbent in the Bartlett Public Library District board race.

With all 29 precincts reporting, unofficial results show newcomers Ed Novak and Dave Barry led the way with 3,376 votes and 3,090 votes, respectively.

Francine Byron held onto the third and final spot with 1,452 votes, edging out two-term incumbent Thomas Perkins, a retired teacher who received 1,206 votes.

The three winners will serve 6-year terms.

“I'm just thrilled and looking forward to working with some new people and getting new ideas out there,” said Byron, a legal assistant also involved with the Bartlett Volunteer Fire Association. “I'd like to see more teens get involved and keeping our technology up to date with more electronic books.”

Novak, a retail manager, said he wants the library to continue its many programs, but would keep a close eye on rising costs associated with running them.

He cited his business experience as an asset and said limiting budget increases is his top priority. Novak added that he would only approve a new program if it replaced a less popular one.

Barry, an attorney, said the library must promote its services to more people within the community, rather than just current users. He also wants to see tax dollars are wisely spent and seek input from community groups.

Barry said he's familiar with coordinating various groups as a former neighborhood association president. He also said he would bring his legal expertise to the table regarding contracts, regulations and board responsibilities related to open meeting laws.