2017 Election Questionnaire: Lisa Schmidt, Plainfield Library Board

Name: Lisa Schmidt

Age: 42

Town of residence: Plainfield

Position sought: Plainfield Public Library District Trustee

Family:

David Schmidt, husband
Daniel & Emma, children

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: No

Education: Bachelors of Science in Architecture from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor

Occupation: Architect - 20 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Position: Appointed August 2015 - Plainfield Public Library District Trustee

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The library is working with an operational budget that has not been significantly modified since 1990. The district that it currently serves has more than doubled. It would be my intention to inform the community of the operational deficits and explain the issues/concerns that face the Board of Trustees. The goal would be to pass a referendum to bring the operational funds in line with the size of the district the library serves and to assist with the infrastructure issues of the current facility.

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

I would like to believe that all the candidates share in the same concerns. This is a volunteer position so we are all looking to improve one of the staples in our community.

In my career as an Architect, I have spent several years designing new libraries and refreshing the not so new libraries in Illinois. With this experience, I have been fortunate to gain intimate knowledge of library operations, the latest community needs from their libraries, and the challenges many libraries face from the perspective of staff, facilities, board members, and library directors.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

The current referendum in place for the April election would allow for many improvements and a much needed infrastructure renovation to the existing building.

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

A successful term would include the following:

- Maintaining the wonderful and talented staff.
- Improving the program offerings of the library for the community
- Renovation and addition to the existing facility

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career.

N/A

Why should voters trust you?

My family has been a part of this community for over 15 years. My husband is a small business owner, and we are vested and care about the future of Plainfield.

As previously mentioned, this is a volunteer position and is a personal commitment for the betterment of our community.

Share a quote that defines your philosophy:

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream" - Aristotle

What questions should be asked of current government employees accountable to your board?

N/A

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board)?

Policies already exist and are in place to insure that the Library Board works within the annual budget allocated per a Finance committee report.This report is typically reviewed on a semi-annual basis.

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

N/A - noted in previous answer

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Dig deep, work hard, and settle for nothing less than what you set out to do.

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

N/A

More via Schmidt's campaign website

Photo via Schmidt's campaign website