Tom Colwell: Candidate Profile

Back to Warren-Newport Library Board 6-year term

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: GurneeWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Warren-Newport Library Board 6-year term Age: 60Family: Married to Janet for 36 years, with 3 grown children.Occupation: Director of SalesEducation: College of Lake CountyCivic involvement: WNPLD Trustee Little League Baseball Coach Girls Softball CoachElected offices held: Warren Newport Public Library Trustee, 2005 - 2011. Served as Secretary and VP.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?There are several reasons I am running again. First, there are a few members of the current Board of Trustees who have proven very disruptive, which has resulted in a dysfunctional board for the past two years, as witnessed by the number of articles that have been printed by this paper. As a past Vice President and Secretary of WNPLD, I know how to work cooperatively with others and to get things accomplished. For example, two major purchases / decisions were made during my previous tenure: the purchase of a new bookmobile and the expansion of the library. As an individual, but also as part of a group, a Trustee must be willing to work through issues for the good of the library and the public. Personal agendas cannot play a part. The second reason I am running is because the library is currently functioning at a deficit, primarily due to a decrease in tax revenue over the last few years. Itâ#128;™s critical that the next Board is a cohesive unit that can make the hard decisions to return the library to operating within budget. Lastly, in recent months, the rights of staff members have been trampled on by a few members of the current Board. During my past tenure, I sponsored the Respectful Workplace policy, geared towards protecting staff from harassment. I want to be part of a Board that sets standards for Trustees so they cannot harass library staff in the future.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 would revisit the â#128;œRespectful Workplaceâ#128;ť policy and engage in dialog with other Trustees to determine if the policy could be strengthened to protect staff from abusive Trustees. I would ensure that the library continues to meet the needs of the patrons by surveying the public so that the Board is aware of the programs and services that they expect. I would continue to look at areas of improvement to provide a safe environment for both the staff and the library patrons. Also, I would ensure that we are maintaining the structure of the newly remodeled building, both inside and out.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?I have been a cardholder for 25 years and use it 2 to 3 times per month, primarily for audiobooks and DVDs.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.Currently space is not an issue. I was on the Library Board of Trustees when we expanded the building in 2010 â#128;#147; 2011. During the design phase of the libraryâ#128;™s expansion, we planned for future growth. Going forward, the key to managing space is to make sure that the collection that is on the shelf is circulating and appeals to all age groups that utilize the library. I would work with Director Livergood to make sure that the library is maintaining this standard. Because of my involvement in the last remodel, I am keenly aware that further expansion of this site is impractical due to the lack of land to expand outward. If we were in a position to make a decision listed above, I would be in favor of looking at possibly reducing collections, primarily because the libraryâ#128;™s budget is at a critical point and it would be unwise at this time to seek new bonds.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?Library revenue has dropped for many libraries across the country, causing loss of jobs and operating hours, as well as the inability to provide the most current materials and services. As society and technology change, libraries must keep abreast of the changes and adapt. Libraries can remain relevant by transforming into a community gathering place that provides a variety of learning opportunities for all ages, as well as being a storehouse of information.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?There are several areas as a Trustee that I would like to pursue. A new Executive Director was hired last fall. I would like to be part of a Board that supports and challenges him to maintain the status of the Chicago Tribuneâ#128;™s Top Work Places, which WNPLD has achieved for the past 3 years . I would also work with other Trustees to plan for the future direction of the library. Lastly, I would work towards earning the respect of the taxpayers by being a Trustee who is able to work cohesively and productively with other Board members.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Pope Francis - I am inspired by how he is focused on helping the needy and not living as extravagantly as past Popes.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Work hard and be proud of the work you do.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Develop the skills necessary to have a career in aviation.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Candidate did not respond.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Find something you love to do and be the best you can be at it.