James Trefil: 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: BataviaWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Batavia Library Board (4-year Terms)Age: 66Family: Married, 2 children, 4 grandchildrenOccupation: RetiredEducation: Candidate did not respond.Civic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 In these tough economic times I want to make sure that the tax dollars that we receive to operate the library are spent judiciously.Key Issue 2 The Library Board should work to provide space, programs and materials for every age group.Key Issue 3 I will work to maintain the Library facility so that it remains a center of activity for the citizens of Batavia.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 will continue to help make the Batavia Library the very best it can be to serve all the citizens of Batavia.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.I have served on the Facilities and Finance committees of the Batavia Public Library.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?I have had a Batavia library card for over 35 years and use it weekly.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.Fortunately for the Batavia Library space is not a big issue. We do have room for expansion if the need ever arises. At this point we do not have to "do away" with any part of any collection.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?The e-Book phenomenon has changed, to some extent, the way people check out reading material. But for the majority of the library patrons reading a hardcover book will always be preferable. Also the need for hardcover educational material will always be a need. Staying relevant is goal we are continually striving to achieve. Having a wide variety of programs for every age group is a key. Giving the patrons a reason to come to the library is something we continue to explore.