Debbie L. Smart: 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: Arlington HeightsWebsite: http://Facebook-Debbie Smart for Library BoardOffice sought: Arlington Heights libraryAge: 56Family: Single, caretaker for my mother Pat, a retiree from the Arlington Heights Park DistrictOccupation: Retired Insurance Executive,now working as a Manager at Tuscan Market Wine Shop in Arlington Heights. I also worked for several years as a manager for a major book retailer.Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Drury University,1977Civic involvement: Past Board Member of Arlington Heights Park District Foundation Board, liason for Tuscan Market in the Downtown Business Association- Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce,President of Tuscan Market Book Club,Volunteer Printer's Row Book Festival, Volunteer Shelter,Inc.,Member of Kappa Delta Sorority, Supporter of U.S. Olympic Committee, Past Member/Task Force for California Fair Employment and Fair Housing Commission.Elected offices held: I have not held elected office but believe in these difficult times we should step up and serve our community.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Operational transparencies/fiscal oversight for our community is my number one platform issue. We have one of the best libraries in the country, with an excellent staff that is dedicated to serving their customers. However, libraries must continue to rethink how they serve the public and increase their importance as a community resource.The correct allocation of tax dollars is the cornerstone of this position's fiscal responsibility and must be balanced with operational priorities.Key Issue 2 Retooling library products and resources to insure it maintains it's status as a best in class organization. The continued use of new innovations such as Gale,e reader and virtual techonolgies are critical to serving the greatest needs of community. I believe we need to utilize more online access through webcasts, podcasts,etc. to seniors, teens and families so they have increased choices in programing.Key Issue 3 Maximuim outreach to the community through more partnerships with schools, non profit and business orgainzations. A current program such ""Job Seekers"" is a great example of how we can serve the community. Science and math clubs for kids is another means that will help serve our children regain a competetive edge in the business world. Finally,somethings such as intergovernmental agreements and civil volunteers are great tools for partnering with schools and government organizations to control costs and create seamless learning.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?My background in both business and the book publishing worlds gives me the unique toolsets to help address the upcoming issues that will face the library. I am running because I want to insure one of our greatest tresures, the library, continues to improve in providing services and programs.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 have had a library card for six years. I either use my card or use online programing on a monthly basis. I also just completed displaying a library exhibit.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.Many space issues in the library are currently being addressed by staff. Plans are currently underway to evaluate the first floor space for future use. With the recent completion of ""Kids World"" and the consolidation of the periodicals section staff is addressing the increase in on-line access. The reference area is also a section of the library that has been impacted by online resources. I think the topic priority currently needs to be revamping the teen space to intergrate new products and 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?With the lightening pace of new techonolgies we see that our customers are not always going to be within the walls of the library. Online courses, community outreach, increased family, teen and senior programing will be the key.