Rita Woods, Homer Township Public Library Trustee Candidate

HOMER GLEN, IL — Rita Woods is a candidate for Homer Township Public Library trustee. There are eight candidates running for four open positions in this race.

The consolidated election is April 4.

You can find Woods' answers to the Patch candidate questionnaire below:

Your Name:

Rita Woods

Age (as of Election Day):

66

Town/City of Residence:

Homer Glen

Office sought:

Library Board

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race)

N/A

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education:

Medical School Howard University, Residency: Creighton University

Occupation:

Physician > 35 years, Novelist. debut published 2020

Campaign Website or Facebook:

N/A

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Current Library Board trustee

The most pressing issues facing our (board, district, etc.) are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them.

Access and availability to information and resources. Continually changing technology for better or worse. As a Board member I strive very hard to ensure that our library remains an open and welcoming place and that inclusion is celebrated. I am proud that our library has been proactive in this way. Additionally, our outreach to the community via bookmobile, Zoom & IRL programming is unsurpassed. I want to see that continue. Our staff is constantly encouraged to avail themselves of courses, seminars etc. which helps keep them (& me) current on the constantly shifting AI/tech/information landscape that might affect our library and community.

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

Our opponents appear to be running on a platform of fear as opposed to a true commitment to the mission of the library. Additionally, there seems to be a significant misconception re: the role of a Trustee, e.g.: we do not set tax rates, oversee material acquisition (as 2 examples). Further, I am a long time user of the library and availed myself of many of its amazing events.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)? Or what changes would you like to see?

N/A

Describe the other issues or ideas that define your campaign platform:

N/A

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

I have served on this Board during Covid and watched it continue to serve the community. I have served on this Board as it expands to meet the needs of the community without the need to ask for a tax increase. I have served as we acquired the bookmobile and set up the food pantry. While, I take no credit for these initiatives, I am extremely proud to have been a board member as these were implemented.

Why should voters trust you?

I am a long time resident of the community with children in 33C, dance, sports. I have a vested interest in seeing that all our institutions are the best they can be. Additionally, I have had the honor of serving on other Boards including those charged with finding safe homes for abused women and their children, and the board of at least 1 literary institution. I have experience, knowledge as well as a vested interest in being the best trustee of the library.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

N/A

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

N/A

Do you support the Illinois assault weapons ban, and would you support a local assault weapons ban in this community?

N/A

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality? If not, what specifically should be done to do so?

As the only person of color having ever run and served, I am extremely proud of this Board's commitment to diversity and openness to dialogue about how to do and be better.

Do you support the SAFE-T Act? Why or why not?

N/A

What are your thoughts on the crime rate in your community, and what more can be done to combat crime — especially violent crime — in town?

N/A

What is your view of the city's/village's approach to commercial and residential development?

N/A

When it comes to development, what are some key areas for improvement or additions you feel are most wanted by residents? What will need to be done to make this happen?

N/A

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No

The best advice ever shared with me was:

N/A

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

N/A