Meet Lemont Library Trustee Candidate: Michaeline Skibinski

LEMONT, IL — Michaeline Skibinski is one of four candidates running for three open positions for trustee on the Lemont Public Library Board. Skibinski is retired, and currently serves as a trustee on the Lemont Library board.

Skibinski 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: Michaeline Skibinski

Age (as of Election Day):

78

Town/City of Residence:

Lemont, IL

Office Sought:

Library board

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education:

Bachelor of Arts, 1985, DePaul University
Masters in Public Administration, 1996, American University

Occupation:

I retired from the Federal Government after 37 years of service. After retiring, I had my own company for approximately 14 years. My focus was primarily on Human Resources issues.

Campaign website: None.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Currently a board member of the Lemont Public Library.

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

The pandemic has presented the library with a never-ending challenge to provide our community of patrons, as well as our staff, with a safe environment. I believe we have done this while also providing the community with the services they expect from the library.

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?

N/A

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

The library is and while I am a board member, will continue to be accessible to all Lemont patrons to ensure that we are inclusive of all members of society.

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?

N/A

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?

N/A

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

N/A

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

Current office holder.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

N/A

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

I was involved in getting the referendum passed that resulted in the renovation of the library. This required meeting with patrons of the library to assess their needs and also meeting with potential contractors to accomplish the renovation. The renovation allowed the library to become more patron-friendly to meet the needs of our community. The renovation was completed on time and under budget. I consider that a major accomplishment.
As Chairman of the Finance Committee, I am continually evaluating our financial situation in order to ensure we are fiscally responsible. I also serve as a member of the Policy and Personnel Committee and the Technology Committee.

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

Opening the library to in-person events, as well as continuing virtual programs, computer instruction classes, health and well-being events, and children's programming will greatly impact our patron community. We are ready to make that happen once the restrictions of the pandemic are lifted.

Why should voters trust you?

N/A

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

As Chairman of the Finance Committee, along with other committee members and the Library Director, we are vigilant of the fact that taxpayers are entitled to the best use of their taxes.

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:

Always be honest and stay true to yourself.

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

N/A