Ann Kakacek: 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: AntiochWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Antioch Library Board (4-year Terms)Age: 78Family: Married Occupation: Retired school teacherEducation: Masters DegreeCivic involvement: Library boardElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: No.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 The library staff meets needs of our patrons in so many different ways with programs, materials, technology, answers to questions, hours available, and more that my issue is to maintain this service and to be open to new ideas while maintaining fiscal responsibility.Key Issue 2 Candidate did not respond.Key Issue 3 Candidate did not respond.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 as an incumbent because I hope to continue to the quality of services, technology, and atmosphere of welcome that our staff presently offers to our patrons in this time of fiscal uncertainty. Careful fiscal management is always important and now careful management is imperative. 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 special contributions you could make. As a resident of Antioch all of my life, I have physically moved books for this library since it was located in town on Main Street, then from the house on the back of the property to the present location. As a member of the board we passed a bond referendum which allowed us to enlarge and improve our building. I believe that when there is a question to be addressed or a problem to be confronted that a rapid response is needed, and I try to be available to take care of the issue immediately.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it? I have had a library card before I could read ( this a long time ) and I use it about once a week.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. I would expand the physical space; however, in this economic time when many people are struggling, this is not the time to ask for more. We cope with space constraints by continuously evaluating the situation and making wise changes. What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?. Economic changes have made it necessary to be careful and wise when allocating money. Technological change requires staff to be on the cutting edge and I believe our staff is aware of new technology and brings it to our patrons as fast as possible. This is how the library remains relevant. The role of the library is to be responsive to its patrons and responsible to the taxpayers of the community and change should reflect the needs and wishes of the public.