Meet Homer Township Library Trustee Candidate: Eileen McCaffrey

HOMER GLEN, IL — Eileen McCaffrey is one of four candidates running for three open positions for trustee on the Homer Township Public Library Board. She is an elementary school principal, and currently serves as a trustee on the library board.

McCaffrey recently filled out the Patch candidate survey, and her answers can be found below:

If you are a candidate for the April election, and would like to answer our Patch candidate questionnaire, please email andrea.earnest@patch.com.

Name: Dr. Eileen McCaffrey

Age (as of Election Day):

53

Town/City of Residence:

Homer Glen

Office Sought:

Library board

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race):

Democrat

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education:

BA and MA from St. Xavier University, EdD from Lewis University

Occupation:

Elementary School Principal

Campaign website:

None

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Currently a Library Board Trustee-running for re-election

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

Increasing the available resources and programs at the library is important. Space (or lack there of) is limiting us, so we need to look into what can be done about that.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

I believe that ALL lives matter.

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

I am on the current board and I do feel that we support racial equality. Nothing else would be tolerated. If something is brought to our attention regarding racial inequality, it would be addressed immediately.

What are your thoughts on the national and local coronavirus response? Do you favor measures such as limiting operation of non-essential businesses and restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a local mask mandate?

Although I can't imagine how difficult it is for small business that are struggling, I do feel that restricting operations at the height of the outbreak was the correct thing to do. As more and more people become vaccinated, I feel that we can do away with the mask mandate. Certainly if people choose to wear a mask, I support them. But if someone can show that they have been vaccinated, I feel that they should have the choice of whether to wear one or not.

What are your thoughts on the state and local coronavirus vaccine distribution, and how do you think local governments should work together to handle vaccine rollout?

I do not feel that the vaccination rollout was organized and efficient. People who had "connections" or found ways to circumvent the system or who had all day to search for open appointments and access to the computer/internet were at an advantage. It should have been thought out more thoroughly.

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

I am currently a Library Trustee, and am running for re-election. Because of that, I already know the "lay of the land." I am a school principal, and believe that reading is fundamental and opens up the door for so many opportunities in life.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

I believe that the library has done an amazing job being the anchor in our community and a second home for all residents. It provides services that a community center or park district would provide (which we don't have in Homer). I would like that to continue, and even expand on the services provided.

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

I successfully run an elementary school of 500 students and 60 staff members. I have already been a Library Trustee for a number of years.

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

A huge accomplishment would be a possible expansion of the physical library building which would allow us to offer additional resources, services and classes to the residents of Homer.

Why should voters trust you?

I have been a member of the Homer Community for 28 years. My three children attended 33C and LTHS. I believe in Homer and love living here.

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

I think that our library director does an outstanding job of being fiscally responsible but also feel that the trustees act as a check and balance system to make sure that the taxpayers' money is used in a way to benefit all residents.

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:

Let Go and Let God

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

I am passionate about reading and want to instill the love of reading in all. Reading takes you places you may never be able to visit. It gives you experiences you may never have on your own. I could wander the library stacks of books for hours. Being a Library Trustee naturally fits with my passion for reading.