Name: Joy Symonds
Position for which you are a candidate: Gail Borden Library Trustee
Why are you seeking this position?
When I moved to Elgin six years ago, I was impressed by the size of Gail Borden Library, located just blocks from my home above our family business. I remember telling my husband, “I can’t wait to have kids, walk together to the library, and enjoy all it has to offer!”
I am happy to say that my family is now a frequent patron of all three branches of Gail Borden Library. When I was new to Elgin and a new mother, I connected with many local families as we brought our children to play dates and programs at Gail Borden.
Over time, I set a goal to share my skills and host a library program of my own. Last November, my family’s small business, Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, was privileged to co-host “Hope for the Holidays” at Gail Borden. Our program brought in a certified therapist to offer practical tips and advice for getting through holidays amidst grief and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Today’s library is much more than a space of learning – it has expanded to become a true community center where citizens can do so much more than borrow books. As our local economy begins to recover from the pandemic, the library’s many educational opportunities and services will be needed more than ever.
I am passionate about ensuring our library continues to be the best in the area and serves its patrons with the best quality programs and service.
What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position?
I am a mother, local small business owner, and dedicated community leader. As a frequent library user, I am familiar with library programs. I also have developed professional relationships with library staff.
In my role as Director of Community Engagement for Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, I organize events that connect with and give back to the community, including educational seminars and our annual Trunk-or-Treat Halloween event for families. I am also the founder of Operation LOVE, a volunteer network dedicated to serving local veterans.
I bring extensive local nonprofit experience, which includes leadership roles at WIM Fox Valley, a local women’s business group, the Elgin-based True Patriots Care nonprofit, and Advocate Sherman Hospital. I am also a recent member of the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin’s Board of Directors. I will bring the lessons learned from my local volunteer service back to the Library Board.
I am a lifelong learner with a B.A. degree in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy a Master’s Degree in Security Policy Studies.
My previous career experience includes high-profile positions with the Michigan Legislature, the Michigan Attorney General, and a women’s leadership organization in Washington, D.C.
I am a graduate of the Elgin Area Leadership Academy and hold my Life Insurance Producer License.
I will draw on my education and experience as I seek to be a thoughtful and dedicated leader on the Library Board.
What will be your highest priorities if elected?
As a mom, small business owner and community leader, I am excited to work hard to ensure Gail Borden Library continues to be the best for generations to come.
My key priorities include:
-Maintaining high standards for the library’s programs and staff and safeguarding Gail Borden’s reputation as a leader of libraries.
-Highlighting transparency and increasing accountability. The role of the board of trustees is to create and advance the library’s long-term vision for success and ensure accountability. I do not intend to be a passive Board Member. I will ask questions and work hard to educate our patrons and myself. This will include seeking feedback from the public about the issues before the Board. I have committed to do this via Facebook Live once a month.
-Access: I will work hard to ensure access to library services for vulnerable families, expanding community and business partnerships whenever possible.
-I intend to support fiscal stewardship and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.
-I will advocate a freeze for Gail Borden’s property tax levy. I would love to see Gail Borden follow in the footsteps of Elgin Community College, where good financial stewardship allowed their Board to freeze its levy at 2020 levels and return excess funds to the taxpayers to aid in our local economic recovery. With so many patrons suffering from unemployment due to the pandemic, it would be nice to give back, if we can do so without compromising library services.
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