Philip Howe: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Philip S. Howe

City: Grayslake, Illinois

Office sought: Grayslake District Library Board of Trustees

Age: 71 years

Family: Spouse, two adult daughters

Occupation: Attorney

Education: BA History, Fairfield University, Connecticut; JD, Georgetown University, Washington, D. C. - Admitted to the D.C. and Illinois Bars

Civic involvement: District 46 School Board in the 1990s; Grayslake District Library Board of Trustees 2007 to present; President, Grayslake Library Foundation, 2011 to present, with Monopoly Tournament or Mini-Golf events as fundraisers annually since then.

Previous elected offices held: appointed to Grayslake District 46 vacancy in the 1990s.

Incumbent: If yes, when were first elected? First elected to the Grayslake District Library Board in 2007.

Website: None

Facebook: Not used

Twitter: None

What are the most important issues facing your library district and how do you intend to address them?

The important issue for the Library District is maintaining a balanced budget as the Trustees have done so. We have not raised taxes. We are very thrifty with the public funds. We have increased our space utilization by filling in open areas in the building. The second issue is hiring a new Library Director to replaced the retired Director. The third issue is making the Library a community gathering place for all ages and interests. We added a "maker space" named the Hub where patrons can pursue their interests.

Why are you running for office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what is it?

I am running for reelection because the Library is an interesting and exciting place to serve the community. Many changes have been implemented and more will be done with a new Director. The current Board works harmoniously as a team to keep the Library a dynamic feature of the Grayslake community.

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.

As an incumbent, I have been President of the Board for four years and Secretary for the past two years. I am the liaison to the Library Foundation. We have raised thousands of dollars for the Foundation through the Mini-Golf event which is enjoyed by all participants. We used that money to purchase computers and reading bags for the Library's Youth Section, contribute to the renovation of the circulation desk and other building projects, and the purchase of the furniture in the front lawn of the Library. I would like to continue to serve the Library and our community in these efforts. I also set up trains in the Youth Section for about seven years in the Winter for the children to enjoy.

Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?

I have had a library card all the time I have lived in Grayslake, and since 1952 when I received my first card in my hometown. I am in the Library frequently and use my card.

What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?

Libraries have advanced with the internet services and electronic books. As a separate taxing district, the Library must be mindful of its tax limitations and the effect of all taxes by other governmental units to raise sufficient funds to continue to maintain the physical structure and offer innovative programs. Any library remains relevant by publicizing its services, traditional and modern, and being a welcoming gathering place for community groups. The meeting rooms are constantly in use by many Grayslake groups.