Eric Brumbaugh: Candidate Profile

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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:BioQA Bio City: North AuroraWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Messenger Library Board Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: Candidate did not respond.Occupation: GeologistEducation: Bachelor of Science, GeologyCivic involvement: Food pantry drives and other community outreach programs sponsored by Fox Valley Community Church.Elected offices held: 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?Having grown up in a town which did not have a public library, I have a deep appreciation for access-to-information services available to our community through through Messenger Library. My agenda is simple, to provide responsible stewardship for the resources this community has dedicated to library services and ensure changing needs for our community are addressed in a progressive manner.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?I've had a Messenger Library card since the first week I moved to North Aurora in 2008. I use it frequently. Now, my real joy is watching my six year old daughter reach up to the counter to provide her own library card for books that we read together nightly. She couldn't be happier and it's such quality time together.Space is an issue at many 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.Thorough examination of all variables is necessary to make such an important decision. In the digital age, the opportunity to preserve and present information in electronic forms creates the awesome possibility of providing more information within a smaller amount of physical space. We live in an time where information never has to be removed from 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?First, I'll address the last two questions: The role and relevance of the library in the community has not and should not change. For me, the library exists (1) to promote and provide free access to information relevant to all demographics of the community and (2) to serve as a community center for North Aurora civic organizations to the maximum extent possible. Adaptation to economic and technological changes have always been a role of library boards. I spent many an hour in my younger days searching for various subjects of interest through the infamous 'card catalog' and squinting over a microfiche reader. Again, it's a about access to information. Forward thinking about the media and medium is the role of the Library Board.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Personally, my concerns lie in getting more kids involved in reading and technology. It still appears that pursuit of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are the best career bets for future students in our developing economy. The library should be the starting place for planting the seeds for a desire to learn.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.I am most inspired by those most unseen, the selfless volunteer organizers who serve those in need in our community.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?I matured into a young man when my father was overseas during Desert Storm. My eyes were opened to the work and love family requires.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Heh. I'd get those library fines under control. :)What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?The sciences always inspired me, particularly astronomy. Professionally, I am a registered Professional Geologist in the state of Illinois.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Pray.