Kathy Rose
Years of residence in Bonner County: 7 years
How can the public contact you? [email protected]
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree, American International College
Employment history:
Small Business Entrepreneur, 22 years;
Document Control Specialist, 2 years
Public Office: Elected as School Board Trustee
Professional:
Serving as Secretary of the Bonner County Republican Central Committee since 2016.
Served 2 years as Vice-President, Bonner County Republican Women, Inc.
Candidate Positions
1. This is a volunteer position – no pay! Here's a three-part question:
- Why are you running for a seat on the library board?
I'm running for the position of East Bonner County Library (EBCL) Trustee as I believe the Board of Trustees does not represent the diverse opinions of the county residents and stakeholders of the library services.
- Have you ever attended a library board meeting? I have attended board meetings.
- And, if elected, how many hours per week will you devote to your service on the board? I will devote as many hours as it takes.
2. How many times in 2019 and 2020 did you visit the library as a patron to utilize its services?
Like many people, I used to visit the library on a frequent basis, when it was open without unlawful restrictions. Since the closure and mask mandate policy, I have only visited once.
3. Do you consider the library to be well run and well managed currently? Is its board of trustees taking it in the right direction? If you were a teacher handing out grades, what grade would you give our library for the services it provides to the community? The mission of a public library should be to provide free and open access to a broad range of materials and services to people of all ages and backgrounds. At the Board level, the knee jerk reaction and relinquishing its governing authority in policy making to a single person, the Director, is evidence of a lack of leadership. At the April 12 , 2021 meeting, in a display of ignorance on the subject the Board postponed a decision to terminate the mask mandate, claiming they need more information. However, I do applaud the Board for its myriad of services. I also believe the library can once again fully allow access to those services, be welcoming and a focal point of the community.
4. What do you identify as at least 2-3 things you feel are important issues, that you would want to pursue or address as a member of the library board of trustees? Balance to the proportional representation of the diverse ideological and political spectrum that currently exists within Bonner County, Prevention and termination of any form of cancel culture, modern day book burning. Improve the marketing of the library, especially outreach to rural residents.
5. Let's talk vision. As the rise of the Internet and the World Wide Web has impacted our lives with instant access to information, the role of many libraries has expanded dramatically. Twenty or 30 years ago, providing books on shelves for checkout was arguably the primary role for the library. Is it still? Describe your personal vision for the services that the East Bonner County Library should provide in this new age of information. The internet provides access to a universe of information at your fingertips. Technology provides opportunities but also brings unforeseen challenges. I believe the library offers a wide range of internet related services. Hard copies of new publications always need to be present. It has been proven in the past that electronic information can be manipulated and even destroyed. It would be short-sighted to rely solely on technology. The Library must be user friendly to everyone and should explore the issue of hard wired, clean fiber-optic technology, instead of a total reliance on wi-fi technology.
6. The library is a taxing district and its operations are supported by taxes. Do you feel the library is fiscally prudent with its budget? Would you seek changes to its funding or its expenditures? Prudent spending is always the key to responsible governance. I do not agree that taxpayers should have any restrictions from library access.
7. A hot-button issue at the library for some during the pandemic has been its policies requiring the wearing of face masks as a health precaution for staff and patrons. The policy was opposed by protestors at the library last spring. Do you support or oppose the mask policy, or would you have handled this matter differently? The masking requirement is the most obvious weakness on the record of both incumbents, depicting a significant imbalance in policy making at a philosophic level. The EBCL is funded by taxpayers, in much larger percentages, who do not accept the return to leftist principle or agenda. The county's 70% conservative - 30% progressive liberal voting split clearly validates this analysis. Notwithstanding, the Director of the EBCL and the Trustees who are currently following the federal agenda of fear are, most certainly isolating the majority of taxpayer's from their use of the library, and I represent this group of 70 percent. I expect the incumbent trustees will suffer backlash on this issue, as they should! They voted unanimously, according to the Minutes of record, to allow this restrictive and unwarranted policy. I'd like to know if the incumbents agree that they are more educated than the Panhandle Health District, which is more adeptly qualified to make such medical decisions, and why the EBCL Trustees were far ahead of, and so delayed from, recognizing our local health board’s masking policy decisions?
8. Finally: With multiple candidates for the two board positions up for election, why should voters give you their vote? What would you like voters to most consider in deciding how to cast their vote? The library of every community is essential to community strength. It should bring the community together, not divide it. My experience and qualifications will offer a balance to services provided by the East Bonner County Library I appreciate your interest in taking the time to understand my background and outlook for the EBCL. I humbly ask you to vote for Kathy Rose on May18th, or sooner by absentee ballot, Thank you!