Meet Oak Lawn Library Board Candidate Roseann Spoto

Roseann Spoto is seeking reelection to her second term on the Oak Lawn Public Library Board of Trustees. Five candidates are vying for two seats on the Oak Lawn Public Library Board of Trustees. Trustees serve six-year terms. The library board is responsible for governance and overseeing the provision of Library services to meet the needs of the Oak Lawn community. Local elections are April 2. Early voting is underway now.

Name: Roseann Spoto
Occupation/employment: Inland Marine Insurance Underwriter

1) Why do you want to serve on Oak Lawn Public Library Board of Trustees?

I’ve truly enjoyed my last six years on the board and want to continue influencing the direction of our awesome library.

2) What makes the library’s mission meaningful to you?

The library’s first goal is to be a learning environment. During the past six years I have been involved with bringing adult literacy to libraries. In 2015, Moraine Valley Community College awarded me their Pioneer Award for my efforts. I was a panelist for the Illinois Library Association’s State Conference on how to integrate adult literacy classes in any library. The second half of the mission statement is to engage the community through diverse programs and services. I have been involved with many of these activities from Summer Reading Programs, attending various speaker events, to walking in the Fourth of July parade.

3) What skills, resources, and expertise do you bring to the OLPL board? What do you have to offer the library board?

My 30+ years in the corporate world of insurance and my BS in Finance gave me a business viewpoint on running the library. I have served on the Insurance Subcommittee all 6 years of my tenure. Also, served on Budget and 5 year Planning subcommittees. I take my fiduciary responsibilities very seriously.

4) What would you like to improve at the library as a board member?

This year I have requested an in depth analysis of our benefits package. We want to be sure that we are offering our employees comparable benefits to attract and keep our wonderful staff.

5) How can the OLPL board work with the Oak Lawn Board of Trustees on the library’s annual budget?

The library board and the village board are two totally distinct and separate entities. While both serve the citizens of Oak Lawn, their responsibilities do not overlap. We need to get along with each other and respect our different goals.

6) For the past several years the board has raised the library’s property tax levy? What can the library board do to trim operating expenses?

Since I have been on the library board, we have approved a flat budget twice.The other years, increases were kept to a minimum, below the annual cost of living increases. I am constantly mindful of passing a budget that is respectful of our citizens and their personal budgets.

7) How would you improve transparency on the library board?

Currently the board holds a monthly meeting which is open to all. We have the meetings posted on our website calendar and in our program mailings. Our agenda can also be found on our website.

8) How would you approach budget constraints and/or live within the library's means? Why would you be a good steward of taxpayers’ money?

I believe I have a proven track record of trying to get the best bang for our buck. Keep in mind, we are trying to offer excellent programs to a diverse population. In the next couple of years, the library’s bond will be retired. I want to REDUCE our budget by the amount of the annual payment.
9) Why should residents vote for you?

I have six years of experience that proves I care for our library, it’s employees and the citizens of Oak Lawn. I’m in it for the long haul and not just until something else comes along.