Carlos Chavez: Candidate Profile

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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:BioQA Bio City: ElginWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Gail Borden Library Board Age: 53Family: I am a father of a 17 year old boy. He is a junior at Elgin High School who competes on the varsity swimming team.Occupation: Program CoordinatorEducation: Bachelors of Science in Business from University of MexicoCivic involvement: Member of Elgin Hispanic Network. Co-Founder of the Mexican Organization of ElginElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.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 enjoy serving my community. As an immigrant I feel honored to improve the country that opened the doors for me. I am driven to increase youth's enthusiasm about reading.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 contributions you would make.I advocated for a presentation about how books in Spanish are purchased through the library. The presentation was held in January of 2015. I am currently working towards establishing more Laotian representation in positions of authority throughout the community such as organizational boards.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?I have been a library cardholder for more than 27 years. I use my card at least once a month.Space is an issue at many 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 background in business and non-profit development has taught me to be resourceful. If funding was an issue in creating new space, I would adapt the current space to fit the most pressing needs of the library.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?Since youth prefer to access information through the internet, book research has dwindled. Libraries can combat this effect by hosting programs and presentations that address issues specific to the community and offer more information than is provided by a basic internet search.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?To continue serving the community welcoming all the residents. Offering programs to cover most of the needs of the community. I would like to create a culturally competent community through library programming.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Luis GutierrezWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Respect people not matter their background ethnicity or religious beliefs.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would have continued my education to increase my opportunities, especially as an immigrant.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Drama classes. I gained confidence to speak in public.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Respect all humans. School provides you the best opportunities in life.