Patricia Johnson: 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: Carol StreamWebsite: http://www.facebook.com/PatriciaJohnson4CSLibraryBoardOffice sought: Carol Stream Library Board (4-year Terms)Age: 66Family: Married, Two adult daughters and three grandchildrenOccupation: Retired Business OwnerEducation: Business Management Courses Business Operations and Management Managing and Volunteering Non-ProfitCivic involvement: Neighborhood Food Pantries Alzheimer and Diabetes Health Advocate Carol Stream Historical Society Women and Minorities Outreach CommitteeElected offices held: Committeewoman District 6, Wayne Township 2011-2013Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 I want to expand the library services?for youth ranging from ages 13-21.? I want to make sure that the library provides excellent resources for youth to research higher education and career opportunities.?I will support programs that attract young students to the library and make sure the library remains a safe environment for students to study and prepare for tests.Key Issue 2 To promote positive Library advocacy within the community by maintaining a good relationship with patrons and reaching out to all areas of the Village, particularly areas that are currently underserved.Key Issue 3 I would like to bring digital literature and technical advances to the community through the resources at the library.? To achieve this I would promote partnerships within the community to?expand and enhance what is already offered at the library.Questions Answers Do you support the board's decision to put the library's Kuhn Road property on the market? Would you support a sale or lease of the property? Would you ever support construction of a new library in the village?No, not at this time because the real estate market is still unstable and the asking price may not be realistic. Yes, I would support leasing the property'through an?intergovernmental agreement between the Carol Stream Library and the Park District or Village? Yes, Carol Stream?is?in need of a new library and currently the needs of the community are difficult to meet.?We need a floor just for children and youth, between the ages 0-12 years, more classrooms, individual and group?study rooms, larger adult book sections and room to accommodate the expansion of future technology. While this may not be feasible with the current budget and local economy, these needs should be kept in mind for the future of the village.What specifically will you do to improve the working relationship among board members?I will encourage everyone to understand that the role of a board member is to set and implement?policy and to support'the professional staff in their day to day management of library services.?I will set an example by being respectful?of board members'?opinions; whether I agree or not and will demonstrate'that I wish to serve the community rather than my own personal agenda.?I will promote the ideal among board members that this is the community's library, not our personal library.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?To be a voice for the library within my community and ensure that?we have the resources?it needs. For the?Library to?thrive and?remain?a valuable asset to?the community?in the 21st century someone must step up.? And why not me, Patricia Johnson. As a candidate, I promise?that when I am elected I will?devote?the appropriate time and effort to carry out the duties and responsibilities of library trustee. I want to reinforce and continue?the long standing?tradition of?watching out for our library, ethically and with?sound leadership. Our library was?founded and governed over the past 50 years by?devoted public servants who paved the way for the future and brought us the fine Library we now have. I am particularly interested in?keeping the?taxpayers that fund us, informed and to make sure everyone in?our community has?free access to the wide variety of materials libraries have to offer. This includes providing public access to the most current technology available to assist school?children with projects and help adults find jobs?and careers.? I will encourage the board to provide the library with the best and most affordable technological?resources available.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes 50 years, 20 years in Chicago and 30 years in Carol Stream. It is hard to quantify, but I have borrowed and returned all types?items that are available. On many occasions I have used the computers and references books for research.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 believe that the current economy has caused there to be a heavier demand on our public libraries.? People are taking advantage of access to free movies, books and music.? The computers are always in use as the cost of owning a home computer for?many in our community?is out of reach. The library continues to be a source of these materials in poor economic times and for those who are otherwise economically disadvantaged. A library must provide the public with programs that are relevant to everyday life.? I will advocate always being aware of new technology and popular trends that will attract old and young alike. I'm aware that change is inevitable and necessary for the future and I will embrace all that the digital world has to offer.? I believe it is essential for the board?to provide continuing education opportunities for the staff?so?they can be?informed on the most up?to date developments in media and technology.?I will encourage the board to support the staff in developing the best programs for the residents of Carol Stream. The Library board should continue to listen to the community members and encourage public participation at meetings. This way the board will know if needs are being met and can respond to community concerns. If the library continues to provide excellent service with current publications and?access to?up-to-date computers and databases, the community will be very well served. Personally, I would like to advocate for more educational programs for adults, like computer training.