Algonquin library hopefuls talk dollars and sense

Fiscal responsibility is the common theme this year among candidates for the Algonquin Area Public Library board.

In written responses to a Daily Herald questionnaire, the three candidates seeking two, 4-year seats on the board - incumbent Edward Mudra and challengers Amy Faubl and Joseph Stefani - all said fiscal responsibility would be a priority if elected.

But they differ on how to achieve that goal.

Mudra said the existing library board already has taken steps to safeguard taxpayer dollars, pointing to an effort to refinance construction bonds and save money on interest payments.

"While serving on the board, we approved restructuring of the bonds, resulting in a savings of over $500,000 over the remaining term of the bonds," Mudra wrote.

Stefani said he would look for cost-savings in the library budget and reinvest in areas that have seen increased demand, such as the library's computers.

The Algonquin resident also said he would explore joining with other government entities to buy essential items in bulk, as well as generating energy for the library's two branches with solar panels.

"It's going to save the district money over the long haul," Stefani said of solar energy. "There's a very good potential that there are some grants out there."

Faubl said every spending decision should be carefully researched. She pointed to Stefani's proposal to expand hours at the Eastgate Drive branch as an example of an idea that needed more study.

"If they're going to put money on that, what aren't you going to spend money on?" Faubl said. "You have to figure out every single expenditure that would entail."

The race for two, 6-year terms on the library board is uncontested.