Karen Kaluzsa: 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: WayneWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: St. Charles Library Board Age: 58Family: Candidate did not respond.Occupation: Librarian and AttorneyEducation: B.S., Biology (College of William Mary)M.A., University of Chicago Graduate Library SchoolJ.D., Loyola University Law SchoolCivic involvement: Corresponding Secretary, Wayne Countryside Garden ClubChristian Education Chair, Little Home Church by the WaysideElected 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?As a regular user and strong supporter of the St. Charles Public Library, combined with my over 30 years of experience in library management, I would be privileged to give back to the community in an area in which I am very knowledgeable. I love the St. Charles Public Library and want to help it be the best it can be.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.Candidate did not respond.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?I have had a library card since I moved to the St. Charles Public Library District 12 years ago, and before that I had a Chicago Public Library card. I am a regular user of the library.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 an issue for the St. Charles Public Library, but the voters said "No" to expanding the library in 2010. The current board plans to implement an expansion without asking voters, as they've set aside money from their existing property tax levy each year for several years to fund the expansion. According to the Daily Herald, in 2015 alone, the library received nearly $7.5 million in property taxes, while spending less than $6.5 million. Generally accepted accounting principles suggest at least two months of operating costs be kept in reserve by government agencies in case of emergency. The St. Charles library's reserves amount to almost a year and a half of operating costs. So, this issue needs to be looked at very closely, and the taxpayers should be polled regarding potential upgrades before any expansion is begun.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?For many of us, the library is the most important public entity in town. It serves different constituencies, supports lifelong learning, and is a meeting place and information center. But the way we access and consume information has changed dramatically, and this presents major opportunities for public libraries. The excellent staff of the St. Charles Public Library has made the library stay relevant in our community by offering new technology, programs, and classes in addition to their traditional services.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?The library board of trustees is answerable to the public. Its mission is to advocate for the library, to provide oversight in areas such as budget, finance, and policies and procedures, and to advise and to evaluate the performance of the library director. Trustees also are legally responsible to ensure that the general operations of the library as well as all board meetings are conducted according to state law. As an attorney I can help keep the board on track and I will also make sure our taxes are being used wisely.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Joe MaddonWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?My parents were both public librarians and they taught me to love reading and to get an education.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would not get dental veneers.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Biology, and my love of nature enriches my life everyday.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?I do not have any children.