Thomas MILOWSKI: 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: LibertyvilleWebsite: linkedin.com/in/thomasmilowskiOffice sought: Cook Memorial Library Board 4-year terms Age: 49Family: Wife - Mary Ann Daughters - Emma RileyOccupation: BankerEducation: BA in Economics MA in Economics MBACivic involvement: Board Member for Youth Family Counseling Services 2002 - 2005. Board Member for Libertyville Civic Center Foundation 1997 - 2002Elected offices held: Cook Memorial Public Library District Trustee 2009 - Present. Cook Memorial Public Library District Treasurer 2011 - Present.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 am running for re-election because I believe in what the Library means to the communities it serves and to ensure the fiscal responsibilities of the board are maintained.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.My main contribution has been to be a fiscal conservative for the District and wisely spend our taxpayer dollars.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes - 20 years. I use it at least weekly.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.Currently we are lucky the physical space isnâ#128;™t a pressing issue for the District. However, there will be a need in the near future to possible expansion. I have been a proponent of repurposing the current space at both locations due to changes in the collection and the use of technology. The pressing need is to expand the parking space at the Vernon Hills location. I want to make sure this is done financially responsibly and with the least amount of disruption to our services.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?One of the current challenges for libraries today is keeping up with changes in technology and effectively adopting them for use and delivery to the public. I believe it will be a very long time before books are no longer available at public libraries. The proper use and implementation of technology opens up the collection and programs to many more people.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?1) Fiscal responsibility 2) Expansion of technology offered 3) Development of programs and services offered 4) Staff developmentPlease name one current leader who most inspires you.Warren Buffett because of his philanthropic nature and business success.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Work hard because no one owes you anything.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I'd learn the game of golf at a younger age.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Economics - gave me a good foundation for business analysis.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Work at being proficient at reading, writing and mathematics and don't be afraid of failure.