David Michalek: 2023 candidate for Bartlett Public Library Board
Bio
Town: Bartlett
Age on Election Day: 72
Occupation: Customs Broker
Employer: World Customs Broker
Previous offices held: None
Q&A
Q: Why are you running for the library board, whether for reelection or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?
A: I read a fair amount. I have fond memories of visiting libraries.
Q: Has your library seen a significant shift in the use of online materials? Has it adequately bolstered and promoted its online collection?
A: I am not on the board yet so I do not have statistics on this.
Q: What do you see as the future of role of libraries in the electronic age? How well prepared is your library for meeting that role? What new steps must the library begin taking?
A: I think that libraries should maintain printed reading material. Basically libraries are U.S. institution that need to be preserved. The libraries in the U.S. were, after all, started by Ben Franklin. Not all countries have a tradition of public libraries.
Q: 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.
A: I have experience in running a business, setting up budgets and making a profit. I also have audit experience. I would bring this knowledge to the board.
Q: Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?
A: I have had a Bartlett Library card for about 30 plus years. I was a steady patron in the past and took my children there frequently. I recently started visiting it again which is how I became aware of the upcoming election.
Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions of your library board.
A: In this type of setting it I think would be best to work with a collaborative mindset. I have had formal training in team building. The industry I am in is one where success is based on getting people to cooperate. I have worked with a wide variety of personalities.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: I like libraries and will work to make it a place where people will want to go again. There are, as I have recently learned, quite a few people who will be attending again.