2017 Election Questionnaire: Ryan Gilles, Plainfield Library Board

Name: Ryan Gilles

Age: 38

Town of residence: Plainfield

Position sought: Plainfield Library Trustee

Family:

Husband, Zach
Children: Rainer 11, Finn 9, Whitman 5, Cosette 4

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

Education: BS in English, Illinois State University

Occupation: Stay at home parent.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Position: None

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

Financial constraints have made it difficult for the library to meet the demands of the increasing population within the library district. I am concerned about the long term effects of decreasing programs and want to seek solutions that will allow the library's programs to continue to provide critical enrichment to the residents of Plainfield.

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

As a stay at home parent of four young children, I understand the crucial role that the library plays in the lives of Plainfield's many young families.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

I have concerns over the programming cuts that the library has initiated over the past year. I feel that these programs play a critical role in the enrichment of the citizens within Plainfield's library district.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

I would like the library to continue to evolve to fit the needs of our expanding community. I intend to carefully consider how library funds are being utilized to ensure that tax payer dollars are having a maximum positive effect on the library district residents.

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

I would like to see a restoration of the full scope of program offerings that the residents of the library district have come to expect and rely on. I would like to ensure that the library is maximizing its ability to serve all residents of the district through its program offerings and materials.

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

After graduating from Illinois State University with my Bachelor's degree, I opted to take time off before pursuing my Master's. I thought it would be easier to continue my education after starting my family. I learned that it is important to not procrastinate when it comes to achieving goals, because life typically only gets more complicated.

Why should voters trust you?

Voters should trust me because I intend to listen to them. I feel that it is important for those in elected positions to respond to the needs of those they represent and to not focus on pushing their own personal agendas.

Share a quote that defines your philosophy:

"In quiet places, reason abounds." Adlai Stevenson

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

Library patrons have been on the receiving end of cuts in programming and services in several areas. I would ask the current employees who are accountable to the board if they feel that these cuts were made in a way that minimized their affect on the library district residents.

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

I feel that fiscal policy, government spending, and taxpayer dollars should be managed responsibly. The library board of trustees must ensure that taxpayer dollars are being utilized efficiently and in a manner which provides the maximum positive effect on the library district residents.

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

As a stay at home parent of four children, I have worked to have a positive impact on our community through my volunteer work. I have developed relationships with other families with young children and been made aware of what programs and services the Plainfield Public Library can offer to meet their needs.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

The best advice ever shared with me was to not expect others to make the changes that I wish to see in the world. I know that if I want to see improvements in my community, I need to be willing to roll my sleeves up and dedicate my own time and energy.

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

N/A

Photo submitted