Politics & Government
2011 Election Issues: Denis P. Ryan, Orland Park Public Library Board Candidate
As a follow-up to our initial and more-biographical questionnaire, we asked candidates to answer issue-specific questions.
Eight candidates are vying for three seats in this year’s board of trustees race. In Patch's issue-specific questionnaire, candidate talks about wanting to establish a contingency fund for capital improvements and partnering wth local schools to increase library patronage.
What is the biggest problem(s) facing the library? How do you propose to solve it(them)?
Staying within the budget. We must constantly strive to reduce costs and provide the taxpayers of Orland Park a premier facility.
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How do you propose constructing a budget that doesn’t burden taxpayers, while keeping the library competitive and desirable?
According to the 2010 2nd Installment Real Estate Tax Bill the Library Levy increased 16%. I want to know what the plans are for this increased revenue and if we could possibly set up a contingency fund account for capital improvements.
Find out what's happening in Orland Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
How do you propose bringing talented artists and authors to the library, upping the number of library card holders and bringing those members through the doors?
I believe we should recruit local author and artists to highlight our community talent. I would try a partnership with local grammar and high school students to increase the use of the library.
Some say the state’s financial woes threaten Orland Library’s system of exchanging books with other libraries. What is your understanding of this issue, and how should Orland Library prepare in the event it needs fund its own delivery of books?
The exchange of books is a great program benefitting all involved. We should continue the program as long as the participating libraries remain in a sound fiscal condition. All that considered we must concentrate our efforts for the taxpayers of Orland Park.
The Smart Energy Design Assistance Center performed a study on the library this summer and determined its energy consumption was higher than average. The study offered several recommendations to curb consumption. Which recommendations do you support? Are there any other ways you propose cutting back on energy?
The zoned energy recommendation was interesting. Solar panels should also be a viable option.
