Herbert Gross: 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: 78Family: Medina Gross - Wife Rachel Bloomberg - Daughter Benjamin Gross - Son Both children born in ElginOccupation: Retired PsychologistEducation: MS Eucational Psychology - Northern Illinois University BA University of ChicagoCivic involvement: Previously: CAC U-46 Elgin Cultural Arts Commission Elgin Kiwanis Board of Directors Present: Elgin Image Commission Gail Borden Library District Trustee Congregation Kneseth Israel Board Elgin Theatre Company BoardElected offices held: See Civic Involvement: Cultural Arts Commissioner Kiwanis Attendance Chairman and Board member President Elgin Theatre Company Elgin Image Commissioner Gail Borden Library Trustee Congregation Kneseth Israel Board Member and CKI Men's Club TreasurerQuestions 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 would like to see Gail Borden continue as an amazing library, which has won many, many awards. I believe I am an important member of the team who has brought many novel ideas to the board.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 actually spend more time as a volunteer than on the Board. As a Greeter, I encourage library customers to make suggestions, compliments as well as complaints. This has led to making the parking lot one way, purchasing suggested books and materials, bringing complaints to the board, as well as scrutinizing budgets and finances. I also have attended specialized Trustee training almost all the times it has been offered, at least 5 times.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes. I have had one since I came to Elgin over 50 years ago. I use it several times a week.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.Space is not currently an issue at Gail Borden. We have an excellent crew, who have received specialized training in acquiring and pruning books and other materials. In addition many materials, physical as well as virtual, can be ordered 24/7 and in the case of e-texts, can be obtained 24/7. Technology has made some collections, for example telephone books, less critical. On the other hand, keeping up with new advances requires specialized training and knowledge which I have supported.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?There have been many, many changes since I first obtained my Gail Borden card. Our card catalog has been replaced by computers. More non-book materials are checked out than books. The library remains relevant through the many programs open to the community, at least 50 per month. It provides special exhibits, usually tied to reading programs, such as Dinosaurs, conversation with a space station in which school kids could talk to astronauts, the current Lego architectural exhibit, bilingual programs for both adults and children, literacy programs, help with employment, etc. etc. The library has evolved into more of a community center as well as a source for learning and information of many kinds.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?The Library, which now includes the Rakow branch, is very highly regarded in our community. When relatives come to town, often the first place residents take them is to the library. Schoolkids come for help on their assignments. All of this is done within strict budgetary constraints. Gail Borden is a great benefit to our community due to the work of its Board and administration. I would like to see it continue on this path.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.President Obama for his concern for people.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?That family and friends were the most important elements of a fulfilling life.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Spending more time with my children, other family and friends.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Psychology. I became a Clinical Psychologist for the State of Illinois.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Spend as much time as possible with family and friends.