The vote and election of trustees for the Baldwinsville Public Library will be on Thursday, April 24, from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. If you live in the Baldwinsville, Lysander or Van Buren area, stop in and vote at the library.
Candidates for library trustee have been finalized. Below is more information about each candidate.
Liz Bates
My name is Liz Bates, and I am running for the Baldwinsville Library Board of Trustees to finish the two-years of Linda Clarkson’s term. My husband Rob and I have lived in Radisson for 48 years. Our two children are graduates of Baker High School.
I have experience working with all kinds of groups: as a 9th grade math teacher in East Greenbush, NY; locally with the Volunteer Center Board of Directors, Christmas Bureau, Northwest Human Services Council, Radisson Community Association (board member and committee chairs), Girl Scout leader, church trustee and women’s circle; and as a bookseller for Barnes & Noble for 16 years. I have also belonged to book clubs for the last 50 years. (I LOVE books!)
I am running because I believe that this library is the heart of our community. I think it is most important that it continues to offer all its various services and remains open and available to the myriad diverse groups who meet here.
Mary Schmutz
My Name is Mary Schmutz, and I am up for re-election to our library board.
I have been a physical therapist for 37 years and have been married to my husband, Chuck, for 47 years. In 1976 we moved away but in 2000 we returned to help with my parents. Although we loved our past life, we found we also loved living in the Village and living close to family.
As a child I loved going to the library located in a house on Charlotte St. The amazing growth of our library was due in large part to dedicated board members. As a present and hopefully future board member I will continue to uphold a commitment to our library’s growth.
My contributions to the board include the development of the library’s health and safety policies, the public library collection development policy, and decisions regarding our physical building, financial responsibilities, medical, emergency and employment issues. We have proven success in budget oversight, keeping increases below 2% through dedicated teamwork. Our success is due to our board members’ dedication to our library and the people we serve. We are a team.
If re-elected I will continue my commitment to provide services to meet the changing needs of our community, ensuring education and lifelong learning for all ages.
John LaCasse
My name is John LaCasse, and I have lived in the Baldwinsville area for seven years. I recently retired from my position as insurance correspondent with Protective Life Insurance Company for 17 years. Previously, I lived in Liverpool for 35 years. I have worked with the Baldwinsville Theater Guild for many years. I was director of my church choir and now I sing with my church choir and the Syracuse Pops Chorus. I have been a member of the Baldwinsville Rotary Club for five years. I have worked behind the scenes at many events in the area, including the dictionary project this year.
I would bring an outgoing personality to the library board. I have always worked to make projects easier, especially when working with volunteers. I communicate well with seniors, working parents and children. Personally, I cherish the time I spend with my five grandchildren.
My initial goal is to understand the workings of the library from an outsider’s perspective. I want to determine how we can streamline the operations of the library without sacrificing its valuable programs.
My extensive use of the library began in high school at the main library. In college, I sought out books and readings in English and French for my degree. For several years, I worked downtown close to the central library and would constantly be reading new play ideas.
In these troubled times, I believe it is imperative that we provide the literature and history of our past and present. We also must increase our accessibility and availability for the community and especially for our young minds. They are our future. We must work side-by-side with our schools and teachers to provide the means and resources to help our community grow.
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