NEW BERLIN – On Monday, Jan. 12, 2014, The New Berlin Associated Library will hold an election for all nine of its library board seats.
After years of non-compliance with state law, the New Berlin Library Board of Trustees was mandated by the State Board of Education to hold the election for all nine board members. The state also decreed that the election will be overseen by the Four County Library System.
Anyone at least 18 years of age and who is a card-holding member of the New Berlin Library is welcome to vote. Each voter will be able to vote for nine candidates. The election will be held from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. At the New Berlin Library. For those unable to vote on Jan. 12, absentee ballots are available at the library. Absentee ballots are due, by mail, no later than Jan. 12.
On Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015, at 6 p.m., there will be a meet and greet of the candidates in the New Berlin Library community room. This event is open to the public. Per a press release from the New Berlin Library, here is an overview of the candidates running for the board:
George Anderson is a resident of New Berlin Village, a library card holder, and an active library patron. He holds a BA in Secondary Education and a MS in Special Education. Mr. Anderson is a former teacher of Social Studies and Special Education at a high school in Long Island. Currently Mr. Anderson is a composer/musician of soundtracks for films, TV, and radio.
Dominick Priola has been a resident of New Berlin for over 17 years. He is employed as a high school math teacher. Dominick has a BA in Mathematics and Physics and a MAT in Secondary Education. He is an avid reader, chess player, and understands the importance the library plays in our community. Mr. Priola hopes to work to achieve a higher level of transparency in finances and leadership at the New Berlin Library.
Jacqueline Mineo was a board member on the current board for 1 1/2 years. She has tirelessly been working to bring the library into compliance with all state regulations and higher fiscal transparency. She states that "libraries have always been a part of my life."
Angelica Schmidt and her husband homeschool their three children. Ms. Schmidt states "I have been very impressed by the helpful, knowledgeable and creative staff at the New Berlin Library. They have provided an amazing selection of material for the community, and have hosted such wonderful events. I would love to participate and assist in ensuring that the library continues to thrive."
