Roselle library candidates outline top priorities

Roselle voters are guaranteed to see at least one new face on their library board after the April 5 election.

Incumbent Thomas Priestley opted not to run for re-election, leaving four vacancies on the board as terms also expire this spring for Treasurer Priscilla Spencer and fellow incumbents Gary Oprenchak and Sharon Hitzeman.

Joining them on the ballot are challengers Terrell Barnes and Kimberlei Matson.

Hitzeman said her top priorities are to improve library services and technology while maintaining current tax levels.

“Our board has been fiscally responsible,” she said. “We replaced our HVAC system with funds we had saved, rather then ask for an increase in taxes. I am proud of the fact that we have not had to curtail hours at the library, have not had to lay off staff and have sufficient funds for roof and parking lot repairs.”

Oprenchak said he seeks another term to help the library stay up-to-date with technology and remain frugal. He said these steps will keep the library vibrant.

“Economic times have caused us to take a real hard look as to where to spend money,” said Oprenchak. “We want to have a good book collection, and keep up with the technology sector to provide the best possible service to our patrons. By doing this I feel we can be a relevant part of the community.”

Fiscal responsibility, quality of service and continued improvement on technology are the three reasons Matson said she’s running. The mother of five children ages 7 months to 12 years said she also chose to become a first-time candidate to make sure the community remains “good to all kids.”

“I think the board is doing well, but with new people come new ideas,” said Matson. “Maybe we could look at what other libraries have done and improve upon what we have within the budgets. If there are more things we can offer that are free without taking money from books, materials and technology, that’s what I’d like to see.”

Spencer and Barnes could not be reached for comment, but Barnes has created a Facebook page that outlines his campaign goals.

On the website, Barnes said he is concerned about budget cuts at multiple levels of government trickling down to the library.

He also said the library needs to adjust to the changing needs of the community, adding he hopes to “partner with social media consultants in my network to teach classes at the library and websites such as Skype ... which will allow local employers and job seekers to use library resources to streamline the job fair process as the economy improves.”