"Carol Stream Library Surveying Residents on Land Use"
Daily Herald--August 8, 2013
Web Link: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130808/news/708089958
The Carol Stream Library Board is working with Library Director Susan Westgate to survey the residents of the community about the option that they prefer regarding the use of the parcel of land on Kuhn Road. It was intended to be an impartial process, but Trustee David DeRango wrote a letter to the Carol Stream Examiner (August 28, 2013) that was filled with inaccurate and misleading information designed to sway readers who have not yet taken the survey. The survey will be available until September 15, and the Board hopes that many residents will respond so that the results are an accurate representation of community opinion.
"Carol Stream Library Board Gives President Power to Sell Property"
Daily Herald--May 16, 2013
Web Link: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130516/news/705169957
The first official board meeting for the newly elected trustees was held on May 15, and the first order of business was a public version of the swearing-in procedures that were officially conducted in the Business Center on May 1. The article covers the main topic of discussion on the agenda--issues related to the possible sale of the Kuhn Road property. Of note is the fact that former president Michael Wade still contends that he had done nothing wrong and that he had the right to redact large sections of the e-mails related to negotiations with realtors and attorneys. The new board feels the public has the right to this information and have pledged that further discussions and negotiations will be in full view of the public.
"New Board President Wants Second Look at Land Deal"
Daily Herald--May 7, 2013
Web Link: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130507/news/705079986
The new trustees met officially for the first time in a special board meeting held on Monday, May 6, and the first item on the agenda wan the election of new officers. Jim Bailey was elected as new board president, and the first item for discussion was what he termed a "fresh look" at the Kuhn Road property issues. Bailey indicated that much of the previous negotiations handled by former president Michael Wade had been done privately and that he had to use the Freedom of Information Act to seize e-mail messages between Wade and the attorneys representing the potential buyer. Bailey then indicated that the documents Wade eventually supplied had been heavily redacted.
"Attorney: New Carol Stream Library Board Legitimate"
Daily Herald--May 2, 2013
Web Link: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130502/news/705029762
The Carol Stream library attorney cites Illinois statutes and confirms that the newly elected trustees were legally sworn in and are officially seated on the library board. Former trustee and president Michael Wade had refused to accept the legitimacy of these procedures and was still intent on pursuing his own plan to sell the Kuhn Road property, but his term is now officially ended. Several of the new trustees issued statements that suggest a more intelligent approach to the issue of the property--an approach that will be more transparent and that will have the best interests of residents in mind.
"Carol Stream Library Trustees Sworn in Two Weeks Early"
Daily Herald--May 1, 2013
Web Link: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130501/news/705019585
In an attempt to block one last action by the outgoing trustees, the five newly elected trustees were legally sworn in to office two weeks before the scheduled board meeting. When it became clear that Michael Wade and his associates were planning a desperate last attempt to sell the Kuhn Road property at a price far lower than the assessed value, the new trustees acted quickly to diffuse the effort. Their stated intent is to take more time to study all of the options for the property before any actions are taken.
"New Regime at Carol Stream Library But Old Challenges Remain"
Daily Herald--April 12, 2013
Web Link: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130412/news/704129869
This is the first article to appear after the election and includes quotes by newly-elected trustees Jim Bailey and Nadia Sheikh. Bailey strikes just the right tone as he discusses the ways that he and the other new trustees plan to restore integrity on the board and re-focus attention on a positive future for the library. Sadly, David DeRango and Michael Wade seem intent on continuing their personal animosities by leveling several critical comments against the new trustees and the campaign waged by the victorious STL organization.
"Carol Stream Voters Pick New Voices For Library Board"
Daily Herald--April 9, 2013
Web Link: https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130409/news/704099486
The STL candidates swept all five open trustee positions on the Library Board and will now begin their preparations to restore a positive and productive vision for our library and restore integrity to the Board. Ann Kennedy summed up the feelings of the STL organization when she said "The American system of government is not broken when a group of concerned citizens can rally against bad government and give it back to the people." Congratulations to all five STL candidates!
"Carol Stream Library Board Race Grows Increasingly Bitter"
Daily Herald--March 31, 2013
Web Link: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130331/news/703319922
This article sums up some of the issues leading up to the currect election for the open positions on the Library Board with statements by some of the current candidates and one current board member. Interestingly, Mayor Frank Saverino reveals his feelings about the deplorable actions of the current board when he calls the controversy surrounding the library board "an embarrassment". Current trustee Jim Bailey points out the lies about raising taxes and pushing for a new referendum that the STL opponents are spreading in their campaign materials. Trustee Dominick Jeffrey makes another insulting remark about Jim Bailey, a fellow trustee and avid library patron.
"First Offer Puts Nursing Home on Kuhn Property"
Daily Herald--February 21, 2013
Web Link: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130221/news/702219935
After meeting in closed Executive Session during the February 20 board meeting, the current trustees announced that they had received a letter from a potential buyer for the Kuhn Road property--a "preliminary expression of general intentions" but not a firm offer. The offer was nearly $600,000 below the asking price of $1.8 million. People who have commented on the article express outrage that the current trustees did not hold this discussion in public and they suggest that the trustees are not holding to a pledge of transparency that they made to residents. There are many critics of the effort to try to sell the property at a time when real estate values are quite low, but the current trustees continue to pursue this action in spite of these opinions of residents.
"Is Carol Stream Library Board on Verge of Selling Kuhn Road Property?"
Daily Herald--February 18, 2013
Web Link: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130218/news/702189766
This article suggests that the current board may be planning to make a hasty and ill-advised sale of the Kuhn Road property without first presenting any details to residents about a proposed sale price, zoning of the property, possible uses of the land, or the types of structures that may be permitted on the property. This is a board that promises to be "transparent," yet plans to discuss all details of a possible sale in a closed executive session with no input from residents. Park Board President Brenda Gramann who has been in discussions with the current board about possible community uses for the property suggests that the Board might be advised to wait until the results of the April election before any action on the property is taken.
"New Library Director Begins Work in Carol Stream"
Daily Herald--January 28, 2013
Web Link: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130128/news/701289699
The new Library Director, Susan Westgate, is welcomed to the library, and she expresses optimism that she may be able to help improve the negative publicity that the library has received in the wake of recent actions by the new Board. Many of the comments contain well wishes, but the writers also express deep concerns for the actions of the Board and encourage voters to elect more qualified and dedicated trustees in the April election.
"Carol Stream Library Board Censures Trustee"
Daily Herald--January 17, 2013
Web Link: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130116/news/701179945
At the January Board Meeting, Michael Wade and his compatriots took the unjustified and meaningless action to censure Trustee Jim Bailey, even though the library by-laws make no provision for such action. The action was triggered by a comment that Jim Bailey made after the unsuccessful attempt by the Wade group to get all of the STL candidates removed from the ballot. Again, be sure to read all of the comments to get a good sense of the outrage expressed by many residents.
"Carol Stream Nominates Top Volunteers"
Daily Herald--January 15, 2013
Web Link: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130115/news/701159910
The 2013 nominees for the Carol Stream Citizen of the Year awards were announced in this article. Please note that Library Trustee Mary Hudspeath was one of the residents who was nominated. There are also several comments that praise Mary for her efforts on the Library Board and the Friends of the Library. Congratulations Mary!
"Five Carol Stream Library Candidates Stay on Ballot"
Daily Herald--January 8, 2013
Web Link: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130108/news/701089822
This article covers the failed effort by Elaine Wierdak to oust all five of the STL candidates from the ballot by filing objections in which she claimed they had used the wrong nomination petition forms. The representatives of the Village Board and the village attorney denied the objections after a public hearing. They pointed out that the fact that the candidates were given incorrect forms in error by the clerk, but that the variations were too minor to give reason to deny the candidates. They also acknowledged that all five candidates had received letters from the Village Clerk that indicated that they could use the forms that they had received.
"Carol Stream Library Picks New Director"
Daily Herald--December 27, 2012
Web Link: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20121227/news/712279799
The new library director, Susan Westgate, is introduced in this article that also includes some analysis of the events that led to the firing of the previous director. There are many comments attached to this article including some powerful words from several library supporters who direct their criticism at the policies and actions of the new majority on the Board.
"Library Trustees Table Resolution to Censure Colleague"
Daily Herald--September 20, 2012
Web Link: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120920/news/709209934
Once again, the current Board draws criticism for its foolish plans to censure one of the two trustees who has the courage to speak out against their incompetent leadership. Several comments are especially critical of trustees Jerry Clark and David DeRango and urge Carol Stream residents to be active in next April's election to vote for new and more competent trustees.
"New Carol Stream Library Board May Sell Land"
Daily Herald--September 10, 2012
Web Link: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120910/news/709109582
In the midst of the uncertainties created in the wake of the firing of the Library Director, the new majority on the Library Board are now proposing that the property on Kuhn Road be sold with no regard for the fact that property values are much lower in the current economic situation. Trustee Mary Hudspeath is the only person quoted in the article who makes the sensible argument that selling the property now would not be in the best interests of the residents of Carol Stream.
"Carol Stream Library Board Selects Interim Director"
Daily Herald--August 16, 2012Web Link: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120815/news/708159577
This article summarizes once again some of the large costs that the search for a new Director will cost the taxpayers of Carol Stream. The unjustified firing of the Library Director has not only led to disruptions and delays in planned improvements for the library, it has also led to large and unnecessary expenses which will have to be borne by taxpayers.
"Carol Stream Library Considering Firms for Director Search"
Daily Herald--August 2, 2012Web Link: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120802/news/708029793
The most striking and pertinent information contained in this article concerns the high costs that Carol Stream taxpayers will have to pay for a search firm to locate a replacement for the fired Library Director. It is clear that it will likely cost tens of thousands of dollars in search fees and salaries for an interim Director--the result of an unjustified Board action that has also created a great deal of uncertainty and disruption to library services. The four trustees who took this action (Michael Wade, David DeRango, Dominick Jeffrey, and Jerry Clark) had campaigned with the deceptive pledge to reduce library spending, but the final cost of their selfish incompetence will clearly be many tens of thousands of dollars.
"Carol Stream Begins Search for New Library Director"
Daily Herald--July 27, 2012Web Link: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120727/news/707279832
The first discussions of the process to hire a new Library Director are covered in this article. The threat of disruptions to library services are suggested, particularly since the firing took place while the Assistant Director position is also currently open. Unfortunately for residents who use the library, many projects such as computer upgrades and other special programs will be postponed or cancelled due to the unexpected and unjustified firing of the Library Director.
"Carol Stream Library Director: No Doubt this Was Personal"
Daily Herald--July 27, 2012
Web Link: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120727/news/707279929Many of the contentious issues related to the firing of the Library Director are included in this article including the troubling matters relating to the clear conflict of interest on behalf of two of the trustees who voted to fire the Director. The article suggests that the roots for this unjustified action go back many years and are based on motives for personal revenge and not professional performance. The many comments support this contention and point to the unethical conduct by the four trustees (Michael Wade, David DeRango, Dominick Jeffrey, and Jerry Clark) who voted to dismiss the Library Director.
"Carol Stream Fires Library Director in 4-2 Vote"
Daily Herald--July 26, 2012
Web Link: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120725/news/707269947
In a Board Room packed to capacity with over 100 residents who came to support the Library Director and admonish the Board for their plans to fire the Director with no due process and no evidence to support their actions, President Michael Wade completely disregarded the sentiments of Carol Stream residents and led the proceedings to fire the Director. Be sure to read the nearly 100 comments from angry residents who attack the four trustees who took this unjustified action that threatens to disrupt library services and cost taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees and hiring costs to replace the fired Director.
"Carol Stream Library Director on Firing Line-Again"
Daily Herald--July 25, 2012
Web Link: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120725/news/707259947
A week after the first failed attempt to fire the Library Director, Board President Michael Wade called a special session to continue his unjustified quest to fire the Director, despite the fact that he knew one trustee was out of town and could not attend the meeting. Statements by some of the trustees reveal their ignorance and incompetence to serve as library trustees. Again, many of the comments reveal the anger and the outrage that residents of Carol Stream felt about this proposed action.
"Carol Stream Library Board Botches Firing"
Web link: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120719/news/707199863
This article contains the details of a first attempt to fire the Library Director in an Executive Session on July 18, 2012, as well as the follow-up details in which the Board attorney explains that the action was not binding since the Board had not secured a majority vote during the proceedings. Note that there are over 100 comments from residents who were outraged with this unjustified action by the current Board.
News From Other Libraries and Library Professionals
"Citizens in Troy (Michigan) Use a Clever Ad Campaign to Save their Library"
The city of Troy, Michigan was facing a budget shortfall, and was
considering closing the Troy Public Library for lack of funds. Even
though the necessary revenues could be raised through a miniscule tax
increase, powerful anti-tax groups in the area were organized against
it. A vote was scheduled amongst the city's residents, to shut the
library or accept the tax increase, and Leo Burnett Detroit decided to
support the library by creating a reverse psychology campaign. Yard
signs began appearing that read: "Vote to Close Troy Library on August
2nd - Book Burning Party on August 5th." No one wants to be a part of a
town that burns books, and the outraged citizens of Troy pushed back
against the "idiotic book burners" and ultimately supported the tax
increase, thus ensuring the library's survival.Watch the Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw3zNNO5gX0
"Support Your Local Library"
This is a very compelling article that outlines the essential services that local libraries provide to a community and includes current statistics and data to back up each argument. There is information here about the many ways that libraries add value to a community and assist residents of all ages who seek resources for school assignments, job searches, training opportunities, and reading programs. This should be required reading for all library opponents who make unsubstantiated claims that local libraries are no longer needed in the Internet age.
Web Link: http://www.statestats.org/support-your-local-library
"Retiring Guy's Digest"
Paul Everett Nelson writes this comprehensive blog about library issues around the country. Nelson describes himself as a Library advocate, Adjunct Assistant Professor (UW-Madison School of
Library and Information Studies), inveterate gatherer of facts and
figures, and a retired library director. Writing from the point of view of a library professional, he is extremely critical of the actions taken by the current Carol Stream Library Board without public discussions by the complete Board (He calls Mike Wade an "Overlord") and the extremely costly fees for an executive search firm that have resulted from their unjustified and irresponsible actions.Web Site: http://paulsnewsline.blogspot.com/search/label/CarolStreamPublicLibrary
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