Eric bederman
Wilmette Public Library Board
responses to voter guide questions
My name is Eric Bederman and I have been a resident of Wilmette for the past 16 years. During this time I have sent my kids to Wilmette Public Schools and New Trier. I currently have a 7th grader at Wilmette Junior High. Professionally I am the CFO/CCO of an Evanston based investment advisor. In this position I manage the finances of the organization as well as manage compliance with securities industry regulations. I have been in this industry for over 30 years.
During the time that my family has lived in Wilmette, the library has been the learning center of our family. We check out books for pleasure and school, videos, tools from the library of things, audio books, and music. We are at the library at least 2-3 times per month physically and even more if you count the online resources. I decided to run for library trustee board to help ensure that the residents of Wilmette and Kenilworth continue to have access to a vibrant and resource-rich facility.
Like all tax-based community organizations, I believe the main priorities of the library are to continue offering high quality programs, collections, and facilities to the residents using the finite amount of tax revenue the organization receives. The challenge is to use these funds wisely; to try to derive the maximum benefit.
Among the many financial goals for the library, I believe that increasing reserves for capital enhancements is important. At one point the reserves were much larger, but in the past several years the reserves have been depleted for operating expenses. This has caused a pause in capital improvements and, to a large extent, a reduction in the scope. I plan to help the library review funding options.
The library board is already highly transparent. Agendas and meeting minutes are posted on the organization’s website, as well as videos of the meetings. The library is lucky to have an engaged and highly talented community that is willing to assist when needed.
My understanding is that the library’s portion of the sustainability coordinator’s work is rather small. Her work is primarily for the village and park district. However, the library did adopt a sustainability policy as pertains to the support of strategic planning goals. As the library executes capital improvements and renovations, it is important that these projects be completed with emphasis on conservation and protection of natural resources.
Wilmette and Kenilworth are lucky to have such a rich resource as the library. The library is one of the few resources that residents of all ages and stages of life utilize. I hope to assist in the preservation and growth of our local knowledge and learning center
During the time that my family has lived in Wilmette, the library has been the learning center of our family. We check out books for pleasure and school, videos, tools from the library of things, audio books, and music. We are at the library at least 2-3 times per month physically and even more if you count the online resources. I decided to run for library trustee board to help ensure that the residents of Wilmette and Kenilworth continue to have access to a vibrant and resource-rich facility.
Like all tax-based community organizations, I believe the main priorities of the library are to continue offering high quality programs, collections, and facilities to the residents using the finite amount of tax revenue the organization receives. The challenge is to use these funds wisely; to try to derive the maximum benefit.
Among the many financial goals for the library, I believe that increasing reserves for capital enhancements is important. At one point the reserves were much larger, but in the past several years the reserves have been depleted for operating expenses. This has caused a pause in capital improvements and, to a large extent, a reduction in the scope. I plan to help the library review funding options.
The library board is already highly transparent. Agendas and meeting minutes are posted on the organization’s website, as well as videos of the meetings. The library is lucky to have an engaged and highly talented community that is willing to assist when needed.
My understanding is that the library’s portion of the sustainability coordinator’s work is rather small. Her work is primarily for the village and park district. However, the library did adopt a sustainability policy as pertains to the support of strategic planning goals. As the library executes capital improvements and renovations, it is important that these projects be completed with emphasis on conservation and protection of natural resources.
Wilmette and Kenilworth are lucky to have such a rich resource as the library. The library is one of the few resources that residents of all ages and stages of life utilize. I hope to assist in the preservation and growth of our local knowledge and learning center