Patch Candidate Profile: Renee Neiger, Easton Library Board

EASTON, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Easton and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Democrat Renee Neiger is running for re-election to the Easton Library Board.

Education.

Master of Library and Information Studies from the University of Rhode Island. Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and English (double major) from the University of Connecticut, Storrs

What is your occupation?

School Library Media Specialist

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

My husband Ted and I have been married for nearly 20 years. We have two children, one is a freshman at UConn Storrs and the other is a junior at Joel Barlow High School.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

no

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Library Board Alternate and Library Board Member

Why are you seeking this office?

I love libraries and the services they provide to communities. Libraries were created to offer everyone free access to information and programs that support their interests and self-directed learning. I feel it is important to support the library's vision and mission and ensure it remains a place where people can comfortably access the information they seek.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue currently facing my constituents is unfettered access to library materials. Education is essential to our democracy and is a lifelong process. Libraries are the one place where individuals can continue learning by having free access to diverse materials, multiple perspectives, and accurate information, which allows them to think critically about important issues. Trying to remove or restrict library materials restricts one’s freedom, a freedom that is protected by the Constitution. It’s also important to make sure that our town libraries are well funded so that they can continue to provide unbiased access to multiple resources.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am a librarian and a school library media specialist. I understand the role libraries play in our community and the challenges they face. I am passionate about advocating for libraries and the services they provide.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I served as an alternate on the Library Board before being appointed as a Library Board member. I take my role seriously and help make decisions that are in the best interest of our community and its library. My degree in Journalism and English developed my objectivity and appreciation for the written word, and my graduate degree in Library and Information Studies deepened my understanding of the services libraries provide. I have worked as a book editor, a preschool teacher, and now as a school librarian. I believe that strong libraries help foster strong communities.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

"Read a book." My mother always stressed the value of reading and all that could be learned from books. Whether it's fiction or nonfiction there is so much that we learn about our world, ourselves, and others through reading. Reading relaxes us, deepens our empathy, increases our vocabulary, extends our knowledge, and so much more...and it doesn't cost much, especially if we get our books through the library.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

We currently have a great group of people on the library board who work to support the library and its mission. I am honored to serve with them.