Cindy Blank: Candidate Profile

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:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: Lake ZurichWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Ela Area libraryAge: 57Family: Married to Roger Blank for 35 years; 3 grown children raised in Lake Zurich; residents of Lake Zurich for 29 yearsOccupation: Supply Chain professional focusing on process improvements; Retired from Kraft Foods 1 year ago after 31 years of serviceEducation: MBA from the University of ChicagoBachelor of Science (Triple major: Math, Business Econ, and Physical Education), Benedictine University, Lisle, ILCivic involvement: Current: active at St. Francis de Sales Church volunteering as Lector Coordinator; Boy Scout Troop 93 Committee MemberPast: St. Franics de Sales Confirmation Leader (2001-2007)co-lead for LZHS Soccer Booster Program (2002-2004)Boy Scout Troop 93 Committee Chair (1997-2004)Cub Scout Pack 309 Cubmaster (1995-1997)Cub Scout Pack 309 Charted Organization Rep (1992-1995)Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Fiscal responsibility.Key Issue 2 Value for the programs and services provided.Key Issue 3 Be part of continuing the great reputation the Ela Public Library has earned.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 love our library and my family has enjoyed using the services provided throughout the years. I think our library is great and has a wonderful reputation, so I come with a clean slate - no agenda to try to change things. Since I have recently took early retirement from Kraft Foods, I have the time and the desire to give back to the community that has provided so much for us during the past 29 years.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?Yes, I'm not sure exactly when I got it, but shortly after we moved to Lake Zurich, 29 years ago. My husband and I both use our cards frequently.Space is usually an issue at 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.This is not a current issue for Ela. With the recent remodel, not only is space better utilized, items are more visible; e.g. the magazine selection is much more apparent.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?Economic changes have highlighted the need to look at value, such as how many patrons of the library are taking advantage of costly services like the shipping of books from other libraries. The ebook technology has been embraced by Ela and books and music can be downloaded. The library becomes a knowledgeable source of information to the community for best uses of this technology.