Richard N. Beals: 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: PalatineWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Palatine libraryAge: 80Family: Married to wife Jane, four children, five grandchildrenOccupation: Retired after working over 35 years as an engineer in various technical and executive positions in the chemical and plastics industry. Three years service as Naval Officer #8211; Korean VeteranEducation: Bachelor of Chemical Engineering, Ohio State University, 1953; graduate of The Ohio State Executive Development Program, 1981. Registered Professional EngineerCivic involvement: Rotary International, served as Rotary District Governor for northeast Illinois, member of the Rotary Club of Rolling Meadows, served in many offices including president. Board member of the Plum Grove Estates Home Owners Association for many years including 7 years as TreasurerVolunteer activities: Income tax preparation for seniors #8211; 15 years Children's immunization clinic #8211; 10 years Election judge #8211; 17 years Elected offices held: Current Palatine Library Board Trustee, previously elected to a two year term, then appointed to a several month term when I served on the search committee that identified and selected the new and current Director, Susan Strunk. Re-appointed to the Board in June, 2009.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Continue to maintain fiscal responsibility of the Library. Due to foresight of current and past boards the Palatine Library has not had to resort to borrowing as has happened to other governmental agencies. We must be very astute as financial support from the state is questionable and we know revenue from real estate tax is decreasing.Key Issue 2 We must make sure the library stays on the cutting edge of technology. Great advances have been made in recent years, For example Palatine Library now has over 90 public use computers. We must stay alert as changes happen very quickly.Key Issue 3 Library usage has increased appreciably nation wide. We must be prepared to handle this potential increase by individuals searching for jobs, others looking for free entertainment on DVDs, CDs, as well as those looking for the newest novels and other books and sources for information and education.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 currently serve as Treasurer of the Board and I would like to continue contributing to the financial stability of the Library District.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.Serving as Trustee I feel my main contribution has been helping to maintain a healthy financial status. It has been several years, but I am very proud of my involvement in hiring our current excellent Director, Susan Strunk.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes, I've had a library card practically my entire life and I continue to visit the library several times per week. I usually have a book, a book on CD and a book on my MP3 in progress during any time period.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.Completing the renovation of the second floor one year ago opened up appreciable new space and allowed the installation of a computer lab, several study rooms and a vending cafe.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?I have addressed the financial and tech challenges in answers to other questions Obviously we need to keep a close eye on economic and tech changes. Did you know the Palatine Library District has the lowest expenditure / budget per capita and the lowest cost per circulation of any of the seven nearby libraries?