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Four candidates running for three Potsdam Public Library trustee seats

Posted 5/31/14

POTSDAM -- Four candidates are running for three seats on the Potsdam Public Library Board of Trustees in an election Wednesday, June 11. LouAnn Lange, Maureen Taylor, Erin Cheney, and Kathy Love are …

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Four candidates running for three Potsdam Public Library trustee seats

Posted

POTSDAM -- Four candidates are running for three seats on the Potsdam Public Library Board of Trustees in an election Wednesday, June 11.

LouAnn Lange, Maureen Taylor, Erin Cheney, and Kathy Love are running to fill the seats being vacated by Sandra Steinberg, William “Chip” Morris III, and Jane LaVigne. Each term is for three years, from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2017.

The following candidates are running and are placed in order of their position on the ballot which is determined by lot. Each was asked to write something about herself.

• LouAnn Lange:

LouAnn Lange is a long-time resident of the Village of Potsdam. She has raised a family here and taught at both SUNY Potsdam and at Clarkson University, from which she has recently retired. Over the years, she has coached various summer sport teams, been a Den Mother to 12 Cub Scouts, served on the village Planning Board, given SOAR courses, and done public gardening and helped raise funds for the animal shelter through the Clarkson Garden Club. She is a life-long reader and lover of books—a habit learned in her own public library in a small town in the Midwest. As a candidate for trustee of the public library, Lange expects to spend some time learning the ropes from the current trustees and then to work conscientiously to ensure the continued vitality of the public library. In particular, she intends to act as a public advocate for the many services that the library currently offers and to work with the other trustees to find the resources necessary to expand its services wherever possible. In general, Lange believes that no community in the 21st century can afford to be without a library that offers the public computer access and training programs as well as the more traditional luxuries of books and a quiet space in which to read them.

• Maureen Taylor:

Although I am originally from Iowa, I have made Potsdam my home since 1983 with my husband, Stephen, son Zachery, and daughter Elysia. I hold a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Minnesota and a masters of science in counseling from St. Lawrence University. I am employed at SUNY Potsdam for the Student Government Association as their business manager. I have served on the board of the Canton-Potsdam Hospital Guild as a treasurer and secretary and currently serve the Potsdam Town and Country Club Board of Directors. In these capacities, I have had the opportunity to oversee budgets, balance books and organize events. I would bring these skills to the table if elected to the library board of directors. I believe the Potsdam Library is a valuable resource as well as a refuge in our community. I love to read and our library makes reading, and so much more, accessible to the public. The range of services the library offers is impressive. From assistance with personal taxes to the literacy program and even computer courses, this valuable community resource provides something for everyone. Presently, I contribute to the library in a small way by donating the books and CDs I enjoy. However, I am willing to do more to enhance the great services the library already provides to the members of our community.

• Erin Cheney:

My name is Erin Cheney. I live in West Stockholm with my husband Dave and our three children. I hold a bachelor of arts degree in history and museum studies, and I am working toward a master of arts degree in public history. I work part time in the History Department at SUNY Potsdam as a teaching assistant. The Potsdam Public Library is a valuable resource for our family. We borrow books, e-books, audiobooks and DVDs on a regular basis. The library provides information and entertainment in a friendly atmosphere. I would like to serve on the library board of trustees to help advocate for the library, and to ensure library funds are used to continue to provide the best services and programs possible.

• Kathy Love:

Hello, my name is Kathy Love. I have been a resident of Potsdam for 40 years. I spent my entire career working at and supporting the Crumb Memorial Library and SUNY Potsdam. I am now retired with my post-retirement job being a substitute teacher aide in the Potsdam Central School system. I am a self-published children's author, a blogger, and a hospice volunteer. I fully support the good work they do. I also fully support the work that our public library does. When I visit the library (which is often) it feels like coming home. Our library may appear small but it is big on services. Most budgets do not allow for the purchase of the very expensive new books when they come out. Our library sees to it that we all have access to them. A favorite sight of mine is that small child holding a stack of books, excited to get them home and start reading. Young readers become adult readers who can become leaders. I am looking forward to representing our library as a trustee.

Voting is from noon to 8 p.m. June 11 in the basement of the Potsdam Civic Center, 2 Park St.