Run for the Lisle Library Board of Trustees - 4 Seats Up for Election in 2015

Like the Village of Lisle, the Lisle Library District likes to keep a tight reign on who is considering running for Trustee on the Lisle Library Board. In Spring 2015, four (4) of the (7) seats on the Board of Trustees are up for election for 4-year terms. A majority of the Board could potentially be replaced!

Until now, if you were interested in running for a position as an elected Trustee of the Lisle Library Board you needed to go into the Library personally to pick up a candidate packet. Your name is kept on a tracking list. The candidate packet is not available for download on the Lisle Library website.

Sounds a lot like the means used by the Village of Lisle to kept tight control on our local government for years by requiring folks to pick up candidate packets in person and SIGN a form to obtain the information.

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 - Perhaps you've read about some of the tax increases and wasteful spending at the Lisle Library?

 - Perhaps you've read about some of the lack of transparency and open government issues at the Lisle Library?

 - Perhaps you are wondering why in the digital age libraries are not downsizing and consolidating (college libraries are) instead of growing, expanding and raising taxes?

 - Perhaps you've noticed how libraries have been trying to justify their existence by offering free arts & crafts classes, free meeting rooms, free everything (well, not really free, just "included" in your property tax bill)?

 - Perhaps you are concerned that the Lisle Library acquired and is holding two vacant parcels of land and there is no disclosed plan for the future use of the now tax-exempt land?

                                                            ..........................

This year, Lisle Watchdog is going to make it easy for you to consider running for office at the Lisle Library without showing your cards.

Here is a link to the Lisle Library Trustee Candidate Packet which we obtained yesterday.
The Lisle Library provided it the same day we requested it.

2015 Candidate Packet - Trustee, Lisle Library District 

Petitions are due December 22, 2014 by 4PM at the Lisle Library

Reference:
Tracking List 2015 Candidate Packet Trustee Lisle Library 

Incumbents (2)
 - Tom Hummel
 - Richard Flint

Potential Candidates (2)
 - Jane Doyle
 - Don Krause

Village of Lisle Board of Trustees - Three Seats Up for Election in Spring 2015

For years, the Village of Lisle has used a political strategy to track who is gathering petitions to run for office.

If you are interested in running for office, the Village provides you with a "Candidate Packet" that you not only have to pick up in person at Village Hall during regular business hours - they also make you SIGN for a copy.

We are calling "B.S." and Lisle Watchdog is going to put an end to this practice this year. Right Now.

On the taxpayer-funded Village of Lisle website, you will find this announcement:
(3 clicks from the home page)

   Candidate packets will be available in the Village Clerk’s Office beginning 7:00 AM on Tuesday, September 23, 2014. Nominating petitions may not be circulated prior to this date. 

All that's missing is a link to the candidate packet, right? Mere oversight? Nope.

The Village of Lisle wants you to come into the office and SIGN for a numbered packet.

Why?
 - Because the incumbents want to be prepared?
 - Because staff wants time to help recruit the "right" people for the Board?
 - Because the harder it is to obtain the information, the less likely busy people like you will run for office?
 - Because they want to stifle public participation?

Here's a better idea. Post the packet online.

How easy is it to post the candidate packet online? Pretty darn easy.
The Village of Lisle provided a copy of the packet less than 2 hrs after we asked.
We did not need to go in and sign for it.
We did not need to wait a week for a FOIA response.
(We are still waiting for the Lisle Library & Lisle Park District to provide a copy of their candidate packets)

There is no requirement under Illinois Election Law for folks to sign and pick up a candidate packet in person from a public body. In fact, all the necessary forms are available from the State Board of Elections. No need to tip your hand that you are collecting signatures or exploring a run for local office.

Do you want to run for Village of Lisle Trustee? Lisle Watchdog is going to make it easy for you.

Here is a link to your packet to run for Trustee for the Village of Lisle.
2015 Candidate Packet - Trustee, Village of Lisle 

Last Day to File:  December 22, 2014 5:00 PM 

Ref: 
Village of Lisle Packet Pick-up signature sheets. Numbered Packets with date of pickup. 

Packets have been picked up by: 
 Incumbents - (3)
     - Mark Boyle
     - Bob Mandel
     - Cathy Caweizel
 Potential Challengers: (5)
      - Daniel Patt
      - Nadine Solomon
      - Kristy Grau
      - William Wonais
      - Marjorie Bartelli