Name: Jean Bednar

Position for which you are a candidate: Gail Borden Library Board

 

Why are you seeking this position?

I am running for reelection so I can continue to serve our first-class library through board leadership and oversight, and be a voice in ensuring that GBPL continues to bring services of ALL kinds to its district patrons, as well as promoting literacy and a sense of community. Especially in times like these, leadership at the board level is important so that ALL people are served respectfully by their library, and information of ALL kinds is shared equitably to those who are seeking it. GBPL has been a shining example of what libraries strive to be, with an abundance of awards and community recognition, and I would like to try to help continue this path for the library if I’m elected.

What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position?

I have served on the GBPL Board of Trustees for 18 years, and on the library Foundation as well, for part of that time. Over the years I have volunteered in other capacities at the library, chaired programs and events, traveled to library conferences, presented at library conferences, lead library programs (as an emcee) or simply to welcome attendees to library events. My years of experience on the board have helped me with board leadership, as I have served as Board vice president and now president for several years. I lead the board and library leadership staff as we navigated  some very tough decisions in the past few years that included pandemic shut-downs, unexpected pandemic expenses, and finalizing plans for expansion of our South Elgin branch library. I work well with the other board members, and have a very good relationship with the library staff. I am also well connected in the community, and work hard as an ambassador for the library and its various needs. It is one of the best libraries in the state and enjoys an exceptional reputation nationally as well. I feel I am equipped to continue to lead as we move ahead with strategic plans for the future that are always formed around the goal of serving the people of our district. There is always something more we can do or offer through the wonderful resource that is our library!

What will be your highest priorities if elected?

I want to see the expansion of the South Elgin branch completed, and then to tackle some of the space and safety issues at the main library. These are big projects, but have already been ruminating for some time. Because of the earmarked funds we received from the federal government, the cost of the South Elgin branch expansion is largely covered. This enables us to stretch our referendum funds to accomplish more of our long-term goals without burdening the taxpayers. My priority is that neither the staff nor the patrons ever feel like there isn’t enough space or service to go around. I want to be sure that the library is running efficiently and that visitors feel well-cared for. These things can be accomplished by getting our interior building projects completed or at least started in the next year.

 

Will you be attending the Candidate Night?  Yes

 

Campaign Policy

Elections and voting are core concerns for the League of Women Voters. Year in and year out, Leagues are committed to providing fact-based information about issues and the positions candidates take on those issues to help voters make their own decisions and participate in the process.

The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes candidates for office or political parties. Any use of the League of Women Voters name in campaign advertising or literature has not been authorized by the League.