Rick McCarthy: 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: ElginWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Gail Borden libraryAge: 8477429748Family: 1 DaughterOccupation: Library ArchitectEducation: BA Fine Arts University of Illinois 1980MA Architecture University of Illinois 1982Civic involvement: Trustee - Gail Borden Public Library for approximately 20 yearsMember Construction Grant Committee - Illinois State LibraryBoard of Directors - Illinois Library AssociationRepresentative to North Suburban Library SystemElected offices held: Trustee - Gail Borden Public Library for approximately 20 yearsHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 The Gail Borden Public Library has been recognized as one of the best public libraries in the country. I will do everything that I can to maintain the exceptional level of service that the library offers the community a such a reasonable price.Key Issue 2 Issue #1 says it allKey Issue 3 Issue #1 says it allQuestions 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?We have one of the best libraries in the country - it is not a given that our library will just continue on its own. Your library needs advocates and I promise to be one of those advocates.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 organized and led the successful referendum to build our new library buildings.I led the construction committee that oversaw the construction of our library.I led the search committee that hired our award-winning library directorDo you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?I have had a card for all the time that I have lived in Elgin - 30 years or so. I use it a couple of times a month.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.Space is not a particular issue at Gail Borden. The layout of the library is always changing to meet new patron expectations. Reference collections are shrinking, teen centers are expanding. Our professional staff is expert in coming up with creative solutions for space needs. In any case, it is not the function of a board member to manage space utilization within the library.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?We remain relevant by providing what people are asking for;BooksMeeting SpacesSpaces for collaborative activitySpaces for young adultsPerformance spacesOne of the best children's libraries around.Libraries are evolving into library/community centers that are places for lifelong learning. Gail Borden is ahead of the curve and I want to help to keep it there.