Tracy Boland: 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: PalatineWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Palatine Library Board Age: 49Family: Spouse - Deb QuentelOccupation: Graduate Student in Mathematics Teaching Asst - NIUEducation: BS Mechanical Engineering - University of MO - Rolla Master's in Mathematical Education - Illinois Institute of TechnologyCivic involvement: Voter Registrar - Cook CountyElected 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 am running for Library Trustee because I believe citizens need to participate in their government. The Palatine Library is an amazing resource for the community and I want to bring the library to even more members.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 have a strong information technology background and I am familiar with many issues the library must navigate (e.g., Net Neutrality, privacy, etc.). I have a collaborative nature, I am a good listener, and I know how to ask the right questions.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?I have been a proud Palatine Library member since I moved to Palatine in 2003. Because I'm a grad student, I mostly use my card over the summer when I have more time for leisure reading.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.I'm not sure what space issues, if any, exist at the Palatine Library. I really can't offer any policy comments without more information about Palatine's specific situation.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 Palatine Library is a vibrant and thriving library. On a recent Saturday morning visit, I saw teens and adults making use of the computer lab, and around the corner heard laughing children in a room for story time. A dozen more youngsters were in the play area. Four of the half-dozen study rooms were in use, as were numerous study tables scattered throughout the stacks. And that's not counting the recreational readers lounging in the comfy chairs. Palatine Library is doing a very good job of remaining relevant and I do not have any plans to alter its progress.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I believe a library needs to be a focal point in its community. A library should be the caretaker of a community's history, and a leader in shaping the community's future. A library should educate and entertain. A library should be a good steward of the community's assets. A library should foster democratic principles and responsible citizenship. I believe Palatine Library is committed to these ideals. If elected, I will work very hard to maintain Palatine Library's high standards.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Bernie SandersWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Look it up.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would have eaten that Reese's Peanut Butter Cup.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Math. Gave me stick-to-it-tive-ness.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?"Whether you think you can or you think you can't - you're right." - Henry Ford