By Jacquie Rath
The meeting began with a brief discussion of the library's budget for the coming year. The board approved the budget, which is 4.4 percent larger than the current spending plan. Residents will vote on the library budget and the trustees when they go to the polls on Tuesday for the school budget vote.
Voters will select candidates to fill two of the five seats on the library board. Current Trustee Eileen Burke Bucari's term ends on June 30 and she is running for re--election, while board member Michael Shenker will not be returning when his term ends on June 30 .
Four candidates are running for the two available seats on the board. Burke Bucaria is looking to return, while Barbara Morrissey, Bernie Mann and William Victor are seeking first terms. Victor did not attend the forum.
Each candidate shared details about their background, qualifications and their vision for the library's future. Then they fielded questions.
Morrissey spoke first. A partner in a law firm where she implements patents and trademarks in the bio-tech arena, she is also a mother, a village resident and a library patron, she said. Morrissey referred to the library as a "cornerstone" of the community where she is looking to donate her time. She said that she loves the library's current programs, and would look to enhance existing programs while adding new and innovative ones. She also cited her education and work experience, saying that they would help her understand issues faced by the Mann, a resident of Rockville Centre for more than 40 years, called the library his "second home," explaining that he often lectures on opera and leads a book discussion group there. Mann taught high school science, English and math for more than 30 years. He said he would like to do more with future programs at the library.
Burke Bucaria discussed the scope of the job of a library trustee. She noted the need for an understanding of books and programs as well as the library's governing bodies and financial information. She said she had never missed a board meeting in her tenure, and had worked hard to earn the trust of her fellow board members as well as the library staff. Accurately assessing the needs of the community, she said, is critical to being a successful trustee. Burke Bucaria has a master's in reading, and she taught for 26 years. She called the library "a wonderful place" where she would like to continue to improve on what is already in place.
After the candidates spoke, attendees asked questions. One asked about the morale of library employees. According to many employees who attended, they are distressed by the ongoing search for a library director. Maureen Chirafola has been the acting director since the director resigned last October.
The library board spent the rest of the meeting defending the method they are using to find a permanent successor. Many in the crowd expressed confusion about why Chirafola has not been offered the position. Board members stressed that the decision-making process is still under way. Member Tavora Buchman requested that the attendees have faith in the board's process.
Those who questioned the process and the prospective candidates appeared to be less than satisfied by board members' answers. Discussion of the new director is set to continue at the next board meeting, scheduled for May 18.
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