Camalliere 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: Patricia Camalliere

Age (as of Election Day):

78

Town/City of Residence:

Library board

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education:

Bachelor of Arts, St. Xavier College, postgraduate education in Medical Administration

Occupation:

Writer. After 37 years in Medical Administration I retired and have since published three historical mystery novels set in Lemont.

Campaign website: None.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

I have been on the Lemont Public Library Board since 2003. I have also served on the boards of the Lemont Area Historical Society and the Downers Grove Historical Society.

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

Changes mandated by the Covid-19 pandemic have affected the way the library operates and will operate in the future. This involves problem resolution, but also presents opportunities to serve the community in new ways. Decisions that affect the library of the future are already underway, and as Chairman of the Policy and Personnel Committee and member of the Planning and Goals Committee, I am playing an integral part in this exciting venture. It will affect the things the library does for the community and the way services are delivered in both physical and virtual environments, such as an enhanced, user-friendly website.

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?

Everyone is welcome in our library with equal access to all library services and programs.

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?

Among the candidates I have the longest tenure and the most experience on the board. I have served on the boards of other organizations. I have always sought the opinions of members and organizations in the community. I participated in a successful referendum and renovation that brought the physical library to meet Illinois library standards. I am involved heavily in matters that direct positive change.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

I believe that the library must offer every member of the community the best possible information, education, technological, and cultural resources. I believe this is accomplished through the development of a happy, devoted staff who love what they do. Throughout my terms on the board I have approved spending that is fiscally responsible, within budget, and still provides the community more than other nearby libraries its size. I am a strong advocate of increasing visibility of library resources and community outreach.

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

N/A

The best advice ever shared with me was:

N/A

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

I currently serve as Vice President of the Library Board, and have had this position for many years. I take pride in the hard work I do for the library, in committees, and in other ways. I attend board and committee meetings faithfully, and contribute behind the scenes as well. The library is an important part of my life.