Milford 2021 Candidate Profile: James Sherman, Library Board

MILFORD, MA — James Sherman is one of three candidates running for two seats open on the Library Board. Here's how he answered the Patch candidate questionnaire:

JAMES SHERMAN

Age (as of Election Day): 69
Position Sought; LIBRARY TRUSTEE
Family: WIFE LISA SALAMONE SHERMAN
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? NO
Education: GRADUATE OF HOPKINTON HIGH SCHOOL
Occupation: OWNER OF "EVERYTHING JALAPENO AND NOT. SMALL BUSINESS OWNER FOR OVER 20 YEARS

Why are you seeking elective office?

The library is a community asset that is very meaningful to me. The service I use the most is the Interlibrary Loan Talking Book Program. I would like to give back to the Milford community and an institution that has enriched my life.

The single most pressing issue facing our library is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Having full public access restored in all areas of the library while keeping both patrons and staff safe.

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

I am an active library user and supporter.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

The library staff has done an admirable job of keeping the Milford Town Library open and/or materials available -while many libraries around us have been closed.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I have been a life-long user of libraries and believe that a library is one of the greatest assets that a community can have because it is available to all ages and offers free services found no place else.

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

As an entrepreneur who has started and run several business, I have the vison and skills to begin new initiatives, solve problems and collaborate with others.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Learn to listen, listening is a skill.

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

Collaboration among the Library Trustees, Library Director and Library staff, Friends of the Library and Library Patrons is crucial to ensuring the Milford Town Library is able to maximize its benefit to the community.