Major Endorsement by the Carol Stream Examiner

The Examiner of Carol Stream printed a major endorsement of the STL candidates on the front page of the March 27 issue of the newspaper. Here is the text of their endorsement:

"The drama surrounding this library board has been widely reported and keenly felt by library patrons. A major housecleaning is in order, and a group of very active and concerned library patrons has stepped forward with mops in hand.

The five candidates put forward by the Support the Library organization are: Bonita Gilliam, Patricia Johnson, Edward Jourdan, Nadia Sheikh, and incumbent Jim Bailey. Their distinguished records of professional achievement and public service can be viewed at stlcarolstream.blogspot.com under the "Meet the Candidates" tab. The blog also provides an extensive history of the library and the central players involved in recent years.

The new candidates Gilliam, Johnson, Jourdan, and Sheikh are endorsed."

We are grateful for the above endorsement by the Examiner, and it speaks volumes for the qualifications of the five outstanding STL candidates. The editors also rightly assess the current problems on the Library Board when they state that "a major housecleaning is in order." The editors further cite the candidate's "distinguished records of professional achievement and public service," qualifications that were also recognized by the long list of respected Carol Stream residents listed below who have also thrown their support behind Jim Bailey, Bonita Gilliam, Patricia Johnson, Edward Jourdan, and Nadia Sheikh:

Lynn O'Dell-Library Director 1964-2005. 53 year resident of Carol Stream
Mary Hudspeath- Library Trustee, Citizen of the Year nominee, 2012
Barb Siegman- Former Library Trustee, President, Friends of the Library
Dr. Jeffrey Handel,DDS- Former Library Trustee, Carol Stream business owner
Robert Ranck- Former Library Trustee
Laura Pollastrini- Former Library Trustee, 35 Year Carol Stream resident
Laurie Nowak - DuPage County Board Member District 6.
Rick Gieser- Former Carol Stream Village Board Trustee; Citizen of the Year, 2011
Matt McCarthy- Current Carol Stream Village Trustee
Pamela Fenner- Current Carol Stream Village Trustee
Greg Schwarze- Carol Stream Fire Department, Current Village Trustee
Rick Fisher- Carol Stream Fire Protection District
Brian Jordan- Carol Stream Fire Protection District Commissioner
Arnie Biondo- Executive Director, Carol Stream Park District
Nancy Biondo- OT Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital
Robert A. McNees- Attorney, Citizen of the Year, 1987 

Jan Smith-Former Library Trustee, Special Citizen of the Year, 1972
Larry and Sue Evans- Owners, Graphic Vision, Inc. Carol Stream , 34 year residents 

Cindy Allston- Carol Stream resident and 2002 Citizen of the Year
Lila Birchfield- Glenbard North teacher, (retired)
Dr. David Akbar Gilliam- DePaul University Professor
Solomon D. Gilliam- Attorney at Law
Jane Glenn- Carol Stream Realtor
Mary Douglas- 28 year Carol Stream resident.
Nancy Bagdonas- Carol Stream Resident and 2012 Citizen of the Year nominee

Jane Hodgkinson-Retired Executive Director of WDSRA 

Suzanne J. Carlstadt-33 year Carol Stream resident, member Cool City Carol Stream

Luanne Triolo Newman- Citizen of the Year, 1992; Special Citizen of the Year, 2006
Joan G. Lapish- 16 year Carol Stream resident
Liz Bryers-15 year resident, Special Citizen of the Year, 2008
Bob Barrell - Former Library Trustee, 43 year resident
Ginny Goldbach- Special Citizen of the Year, 1995
Don Depa- Long-time Resident, Glenbard North Teacher
Maria Depa- Long-time resident, Special Citizen of the Year, 2007
Dick Wilson- Citizen of the Year, 1991, Special Citizen of the Year, 1994
Del Miller- President, Carol Stream Fire Protection District
Judy Zika- Citizen of the Year, 1999, Special Citizen of the Year, 2004
Darrel Malcom- Executive Director, Kids Against Hunger; Pastor, Poplar Creek Church
Suzanne Hlotke- 33 year Carol Stream resident
Dan Bird- Carol Stream Park District Commissioner

Election Day is April 9 and Early Voting is already underway. Please help us to "take our library back" by voting for these outstanding candidates for the Library Board.

Early Voting Begins on Monday, March 25

The official date for the consolidated election is April 9, 2013, but you do not have to wait until then if another date near the election is more convenient for you. Early voting and voting by absentee ballot are two popular alternative ways of casting your vote for this critical election.

Early Voting

Many residents have come to enjoy early voting privileges in recent years since they can choose the dates and times that are most convenient for them. There will again be several early voting locations open in the weeks before the election date, including a facility at Stratford Square Mall. The dates for early voting are Monday, March 25 through Saturday, April 6.  Here are two of the closest early voting locations:

Stratford Square Mall 
Upper Level - Entrance 4 - Next to Macy's
M-F: 10:00 am-7:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am-3:00 pm

DuPage County/Election Commission 
421 N. County Farm Road - Room 1-500B
M-F: 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Saturday (3/30): 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Sunday (3/31): 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Saturday (4/6): 9:00 am-3:00 pm

Absentee Voting
If you know you will be out of town on the April 9 election day, you can apply for an absentee ballot to insure that your vote will count in this important election. You can do absentee voting in person or by mail. Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked five days before the election. Here is a link to a page that contains all of the information you will need to know about the absentee voting process:

https://www.dupageco.org/Election/Voters/37064

Be Sure to Register
The deadline for standard voter registration has passed, but Illinois law provides a “grace period” to register and vote for the upcoming April 9, 2013, Consolidated General Election, for individuals who were unable to register to vote or change their address prior to the traditional deadline that was March 12, 2013. This “grace period” is from March 13, 2013, through April 6, 2013.  Registering to vote or transferring a registration and voting during the “grace period” may only be done in the Election Commission office, 421 North County Farm Road, Wheaton, Illinois.

For more information on grace period registration and voting, call the Election Commission at 630- 407-5600 or visit their website at www.dupageco.org/election. An individual may check the status of his/her voter registration by visiting the website and using the “Voter Information Search”.

The DuPage County Election Commission office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. until Election Day.

Your Vote is Critical This Year
It is very evident that dismally low voter turnout at the last two elections is the main reason that Michael Wade and his extreme political allies were able to seize control of our Library Board. Please take time to vote for qualified and responsible candidates this year so that we can restore dignity and responsible conduct to our Board and a brighter future for our library!

The STL Candidates Are Active in Community Projects

All of the STL candidates continue to be active in the community and stay involved in many productive ventures related to our library. In doing so, they make it so clear why they are the library trustees candidates who will best serve the residents of Carol Stream. On Sunday, March 10, the STL candidates volunteered to assist with the reception for Susan Westgate, the new Library Director. Jim Bailey, Bonita Gilliam, Patricia Johnson, and Nadia Sheikh all helped serve refreshments during the event and greeted residents who came for the reception. This reception was one of the many special events that the Friends of the Carol Stream Library have planned and hosted over the years, and all five of the STL candidates are proud members of the Friends organization.

On March 17, several of the STL candidates attended the annual St. Joseph’s Table event at St. Isidore Church. This is a charity event that helps to raise needed funds for community projects including the DuPage Walk-in Food Pantry and DuPagePads, the organization that does so much for homeless residents in our community. The STL candidates know that service to our community comes in many forms, and as trustees on the Carol Stream Library Board, they will continue to work with all local organizations in their outreach efforts to make our library an even stronger element in our community. They provide a positive and productive vision for our library and they are all avid library users who recognize the importance of a library in a community.

As reported in an earlier article on this web site, Patricia Johnson and Nadia Sheikh participated in the Grocery Cart Race, held at the Jewel in Carol Stream on February 7. This is DuPage County Farm Bureau's annual program where contestants have just 10 minutes to fly through the store, looking for items containing corn, wheat, or soy, Illinois' top three crops. Two food pantries in the community benefit from the Farm Bureau's generosity - the Humanitarian Service Project and Neighborhood Food Pantries.

On January 15, Bonita Gilliam and Nadia Sheikh continued their efforts to reach out to residents of all faiths by meeting with people at the Islamic Center Western Suburbs. They had an opportunity to talk about their positive vision for our library and ways that the library can best serve the needs of all residents. Bonita also does volunteer work at the College of DuPage, and Nadia will be volunteering her time at the annual Earth Day events on April 20 in cooperation with the Carol Stream Women's Club and the Carol Stream Park District. Here is a link with more information about the Earth Day activities:

http://www.csparks.org/green/index.php/earth-day-2012

Election Day is Tuesday, April 9, but voters can take advantage of Early Voting which begins on Monday, March 25. It is a great way to vote on a day and time that is most convenient for you. Either way, it is critical that all voters who value the Carol Stream Public Library get out to vote so that Jim Bailey, Bonita Gilliam, Patricia Johnson, Edward Jourdan, and Nadia Sheikh can help turn the page on the bitter events of the past few months and restore integrity to our library board.

Endorsements for the STL Candidates are Pouring In!

The Support the Library Carol Stream candidates are proud to announce that all of the following people have endorsed them as library trustee candidates, and we hope to add many more names in the weeks ahead. Of special note is the fact that this list contains several people who have played a direct role in the development and growth of our library as former and current library trustees as well as a highly respected Library Director who devoted 41 years of her life to the library. Also included are several current and former village trustees, recipients of the Carol Stream Citizen of the Year awards, and representatives from other village agencies such as the Park District. These are all respected citizens who care deeply about the future of Carol Stream, and the fact that they endorse all five of the STL candidates clearly sets our group apart from our opponents who offer nothing but bitter and deplorable campaign tactics.

We are deeply grateful for the support of all of these respected Carol Stream citizens:

Lynn O'Dell-Library Director 1964-2005. 53 year resident of Carol Stream
Mary Hudspeath- Library Trustee, Citizen of the Year nominee, 2012
Barb Siegman- Former Library Trustee, President, Friends of the Library
Dr. Jeffrey Handel,DDS- Former Library Trustee, Carol Stream business owner
Robert Ranck- Former Library Trustee
Laura Pollastrini- Former Library Trustee, 35 Year Carol Stream resident
Laurie Nowak - DuPage County Board Member District 6.
Rick Gieser- Former Carol Stream Village Board Trustee; Citizen of the Year, 2011
Matt McCarthy- Current Carol Stream Village Trustee
Pamela Fenner- Current Carol Stream Village Trustee
Greg Schwarze- Carol Stream Fire Department, Current Village Trustee
Rick Fisher- Carol Stream Fire Protection District
Brian Jordan- Carol Stream Fire Protection District Commissioner
Arnie Biondo- Executive Director, Carol Stream Park District
Nancy Biondo- OT Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital
Robert A. McNees- Attorney, Citizen of the Year, 1987 

Jan Smith-Former Library Trustee, Special Citizen of the Year, 1972
Larry and Sue Evans- Owners, Graphic Vision, Inc. Carol Stream , 34 year residents 

Cindy Allston- Carol Stream resident and 2002 Citizen of the Year
Lila Birchfield- Glenbard North teacher, (retired)
Dr. David Akbar Gilliam- DePaul University Professor
Solomon D. Gilliam- Attorney at Law
Jane Glenn- Carol Stream Realtor
Mary Douglas- 28 year Carol Stream resident.
Nancy Bagdonas- Carol Stream Resident and 2012 Citizen of the Year nominee

Jane Hodgkinson-Retired Executive Director of WDSRA 

Suzanne J. Carlstadt-33 year Carol Stream resident, member Cool City Carol Stream

Luanne Triolo Newman- Citizen of the Year, 1992; Special Citizen of the Year, 2006
Joan G. Lapish- 16 year Carol Stream resident
Liz Bryers-15 year resident, Special Citizen of the Year, 2008
Bob Barrell - Former Library Trustee, 43 year resident
Ginny Goldbach- Special Citizen of the Year, 1995
Don Depa- Long-time Resident, Glenbard North Teacher
Maria Depa- Long-time resident, Special Citizen of the Year, 2007
Dick Wilson- Citizen of the Year, 1991, Special Citizen of the Year, 1994
Del Miller- President, Carol Stream Fire Protection District
Judy Zika- Citizen of the Year, 1999, Special Citizen of the Year, 2004
Darrel Malcom- Executive Director, Kids Against Hunger; Pastor, Poplar Creek Church
Suzanne Hlotke- 33 year Carol Stream resident
Dan Bird- Carol Stream Park District Commissioner

Meet the Candidates: Jim Bailey

Jim Bailey

Jim Bailey is married with four daughters and has been a respected and active member of the Carol Stream Library Board for eight years. Jim received the Carol Stream Citizen of the Year Award in 2003 in recognition for his outstanding work in the community. He is a retired business executive and entrepreneur. Jim was first elected to the Board in 2005. The experience he brings to the Board includes eight years in the U.S. Air Force, 50 years of work experience and 31 years as a resident of Carol Stream. He is a decorated and disabled veteran of the Vietnam War. Jim was re-elected to the Board in 2011, and his current term will expire in 2013. He was a Past-President of the Rotary Club of Carol Stream and has been active as a church elder at Heritage Presbyterian Church for the past twenty years. He believes that the Library is a key asset in the village and that the main role of the Library Board is to support the efforts of the professional librarians and staff members who have been hired to manage and carry out all library operations.

Here are Jim's responses to the candidate profile recently printed in the Daily Herald that will help voters get a better sense of his qualifications and his positive vision for our library:

Do you support the board's decision to put the library's Kuhn Road property on the market? Would you support a sale or lease of the property? Would you ever support construction of a new library in the village?
Putting the property up for sale is probably a moot point at this time owing to the currently real estate market. Ultimately, we will sell the property for a good profit that can then be used to fund additional programs at the library. I would prefer a sale of the property over a lease of the property, unless there are significant benefits to the library or the village through the lease. The library is currently in a solid cash position and does not need the revenue at this point. I would support building a new library now and in the future. Our library currently suffers from limited space that will make it hard for us to expand and add significant new programs in the future.

What specifically will you do to improve the working relationship among board members?
I will use my 8 years of experience on the board, coupled with the business management skills acquired over many years in a variety of business management positions, to ensure that we have a cohesive board focused on the good of the library and our users and staff.

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?
In my opinion, the current board is not focused on the needs of the community or library at all. Most of the board members do not use the library, and until several lawsuits against the library were initiated, had absolutely no interest in the library. The political climate of 2010 has added to some misguided motives of several board members. I was amazed to hear one of the candidates for appointment to the board to fill a vacant seat recently respond to the question "what do you think is the role of a library trustee" respond by saying "honestly, I do not have a clue". Our citizens expect and deserve better representation from our library trustees. We need to have a board that is not contentious, and works together to serve our community. I will work to achieve that harmony and focus if elected.

Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?
Yes, I have had a library card for many years. I obtain books at the library often, including purchasing used books on a regular basis.

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 factors have placed some libraries in peril. Thanks to the good fiscal management of our library trustees prior to the current board, we have a solid cash reserve position. To remain relevant, we must focus on what we do best, while exploring new technologies that our users want - like eBooks and access to the Internet and databases. We have a large pool of computers available for use on-site, and are currently moving ahead with long-term plans to upgrade these computers to provide better service to our users. Our library has long had a consistent, positive role in our community. We can capitalize on that strength by working to make the library more of a "destination" with the expansion of novel programs for our users.

Background and Civic Involvement:
8 years service as Library Trustee
Friends of the Carol Stream Public Library
Rotary Club--Past President
Citizen of the Year--2003
Veteran, Vietnam War
20+ years as Church Elder--Heritage Presbyterian Church
31 year resident of Carol Stream

Meet the Candidates: Patricia Johnson

Patricia Johnson
I believe that a Public Library has always been an important part of any community. Libraries granted me the opportunity not only to love books, but to appreciate art, music, and other important parts of our culture. To me, being a trustee on the Carol Stream Library Board would be like being a teacher of sorts. I want to try to watch over our revered facility. I want to help guard and maintain a building that houses not only the traditional tools, but also the new materials that enhance knowledge in our digital age.

Click here to view Patricia Johnson's campaign Facebook page

I want the library to be a building that inspires people of every age to partake in our many events that can enrich their lives. When we come together to listen to readings, discuss books, or appreciate the arts, we develop connections that foster positive relationships and strengthen our ties to the community.

Do you support the board's decision to put the library's Kuhn Road property on the market? Would you support a sale or lease of the property? Would you ever support construction of a new library in the village?
No, not at this time because the real estate market is still unstable and the asking price may not be realistic. Yes, I would support leasing the property through an intergovernmental agreement between the Carol Stream Library and the Park District or Village. Yes, Carol Stream is in need of a new library and currently the needs of the community are difficult to meet. We need a floor just for children and youth, between the ages 0-12 years, more classrooms, individual and group study rooms, larger adult book sections and room to accommodate the expansion of future technology. While this may not be feasible with the current budget and local economy, these needs should be kept in mind for the future of the village.

What specifically will you do to improve the working relationship among board members?
I will encourage everyone to understand that the role of a board member is to set and implement policy and to support the professional staff in their day to day management of library services. I will set an example by being respectful of board members' opinions, whether I agree or not and will demonstrate that I wish to serve the community rather than my own personal agenda.I will promote the ideal among board members that this is the community's library, not our personal library.

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?
To be a voice for the library within my community and ensure that we have the resources it needs. For the Library to thrive and remain a valuable asset to the community in the 21st century someone must step up. And why not me, Patricia Johnson? As a candidate, I promise that when I am elected I will devote the appropriate time and effort to carry out the duties and responsibilities of library trustee. I want to reinforce and continue the long standing tradition of watching out for our library, ethically and with sound leadership. Our library was founded and governed over the past 50 years by devoted public servants who paved the way for the future and brought us the fine Library we now have. I am particularly interested in keeping the taxpayers that fund us informed and to make sure everyone in our community has free access to the wide variety of materials libraries have to offer. This includes providing public access to the most current technology available to assist school children with projects and help adults find jobs and careers. I will encourage the board to provide the library with the best and most affordable technological resources available.

Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?
Yes 50 years, 20 years in Chicago and 30 years in Carol Stream. It is hard to quantify, but I have borrowed and returned all types items that are available. On many occasions I have used the computers and references books for research.

What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?
I believe that the current economy has caused there to be a heavier demand on our public libraries. People are taking advantage of access to free movies, books and music. The computers are always in use as the cost of owning a home computer for many in our community is out of reach. The library continues to be a source of these materials in poor economic times and for those who are otherwise economically disadvantaged. A library must provide the public with programs that are relevant to everyday life. I will advocate always being aware of new technology and popular trends that will attract old and young alike. I'm aware that change is inevitable and necessary for the future and I will embrace all that the digital world has to offer. I believe it is essential for the board to provide continuing education opportunities for the staff so they can be informed on the most up to date developments in media and technology. I will encourage the board to support the staff in developing the best programs for the residents of Carol Stream. The Library board should continue to listen to the community members and encourage public participation at meetings. This way the board will know if needs are being met and can respond to community concerns. If the library continues to provide excellent service with current publications and access to up-to-date computers and databases, the community will be very well served. Personally, I would like to advocate for more educational programs for adults, like computer training.


Civic Involvement:

Food Pantry Liaison
Community Organizer/Activist
Board of Deacons
Wayne Township Democrats, Secretary
Friends of the Carol Stream Public Library
Long-time resident of Carol Stream

RoccoVino Fundraiser Was a Huge Success!

The Support the Library Carol Stream Organization would like to thank all of the people who joined us at RoccoVino's Ristorante on Sunday, February 24. The turnout was overwhelming--even greater than we anticipated--and the event was a great success. We raised a large amount of money to help pay for signs and campaign materials, but just as important, the STL candidates had a good opportunity to meet with many library supporters, leaders of several community organizations, and candidates for other village positions who share our values and our support for the library.

Thanks again to RoccoVino's Ristorante for being such good hosts and for helping to support our cause. We hope that all readers will continue to patronize this fine restaurant. Thanks also to the many great library supporters who took time out of the day on Sunday to join us. The large crowd in attendance is just one more indication of the wide appeal of the STL candidates and the strong feelings of anger and outrage that so many residents hold for the current library trustees and their actions over the past few months.