Library Trustee Candidates Q & A

Three incumbents, Betty Chelmow, Susan Cogliano and George Comeau, and two challengers, Jay Foley and Mindy Milman, are vying for three open seats on the Library Board of Trustees in the April 4 town election. All five were asked the following questions:

Briefly summarize your educational, professional & service background.

Betty Chelmow: I was a special educator for the town of Holbrook for 25 years and have served as an educational surrogate parent for children in foster care since 1999. In addition to my decades of service as a trustee, I was chair of the board during the entire building renovation and expansion program, which came in on time and under budget. I previously served as chair of the advisory board of the Museum of American Bird Art as well as a Girl Scout troop leader and a committee chair for Boy Scouts.

Susan Cogliano: I have a master’s in education and taught science for 35 years while also serving as a department head. I currently serve as a library trustee and chaired the board from 2014-16 and 2019-21. I’ve also served as a trustee of Norfolk County Agricultural High School, as a board member for the Mass. Teachers Association, and as the president of the Stoughton Teachers Association. Additionally, I was a 4-H leader and a puppy raiser for Guiding Eyes for the Blind.

George Comeau: I have experience as a trustee for close to 20 years. My background includes law, marketing and branding, nonprofit leadership, governance and fundraising. I serve on the town’s Building Renovation Committee (BRC) and am working towards renovations and structural upgrades at the library that will ensure a safe and sustainable building. I am also a member of the Mass. Board of Library Commissioners, appointed under three governors, and in that role I share best practices from libraries across the commonwealth here in Canton. Finally, I am a historian that values our collection and the open access to information and services.

Jay Foley: I received a PhD from Cornell University and served as an associate professor at the University of South Carolina. I then became the director of the Center for the Study of Middle Size Cities at the University of Illinois. Subsequently, I returned to Massachusetts to the family business, Foley Industrial Engines. My love of books led me to serve on the Board of Library Trustees in Block Island, Rhode Island, which was a rewarding experience.

Mindy Milman: I graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in marketing and a minor in accounting. I have been in business as a retail buyer for major stores, wholesale clothing sales and as a merchandising director. My background in business, healthcare and fundraising well prepare me to be an outstanding library trustee.

Why are you running for the library trustee?

Chelmow: I was first elected to the board in 1977 and stepped down for six years before seeking reelection during COVID. I felt at that time my prior service and experience on the board would continue to be useful. I still believe that my service and experience will be useful as the library plans for the future.

Cogliano: I enjoy serving the community and upholding the mission of our library. I bring a wealth of knowledge to the board with my experience as an educator, parent and grandparent. I would be honored to continue to serve the people of Canton and help shape the library for today and the next decade and would gratefully and thankfully appreciate your vote.

Comeau: I have a passion for public libraries, and in particular the Canton Public Library. The history of our library can trace its roots all the way to 1766, and we have had a physical library since 1875. For 148 years, the library has been guided by an independent board of trustees. At the very core of the word is “trust.” I am running to continue the trust placed in me to oversee one of our finest cultural, educational, and civic institutions. I consider it an honor to serve.

Foley: I’ve been a lifelong avid reader. That, combined with my experience on the Block Island Board, were my initial reasons. Then I heard about the trustees’ neglect of the library roof and HVAC equipment since 2003, resulting in the $1.2 million article facing town meeting. I have 40 years of experience doing preventive maintenance at my company’s 20,000sf building. The trustees sorely need this expertise now.

Milman: I am running because I recognize opportunities to make the board more transparent and the library more inclusive and accommodating. I will bring new vitality and a new perspective to the board. I will offer fresh ideas for dynamic programming with the energy and vision to make things happen! I have the time and energy to devote myself to the role and I look forward to increased involvement in our community by helping ensure that our valuable tax dollars benefit the needs and interests of a growing and diverse Canton.

What traits would make you an effective trustee?

Chelmow: I would describe myself as hard working, optimistic, and resourceful all qualities that will contribute to meeting the future goals of the Canton Public Library.

Cogliano: I am competent, thoughtful, objective, and passionate.

Comeau: I have a deep knowledge base and appreciation of our town’s history and the Canton library’s place in that history. I also have the passion, commitment, and relevant experience needed to fulfill my duties as a trustee, and I am an ardent defender of free speech and free expression who will work tirelessly to ensure that these values are protected and enhanced.

Foley: I have executive leadership skills, an ingrained love of books, experience as a library trustee, and expertise in operating a large building.

Milman: I am a team player. In whatever job, group or board I am involved with, people like and respect me because I am fair, honest, listen to others’ opinions, and weigh all options before making a decision. I am also good with facts and figures and do careful research before presenting any issue.

What are your goals for the library over the next 3 years?

Chelmow: Particularly in the next three years, I believe the library must be flexible, as it was during COVID, as it meets the ever-changing needs of the town. The library must be forward looking and responsible as it continues to maintain this much-loved building. It must be aware of ever-changing technology and the programming requirements of our diverse community.

Cogliano: I want to ensure that the library continues to be a safe and welcoming place for all. I also want to expand technology, digital and web-based offerings, programming and events, and off-site services; make facility improvements/updates with study areas, individual work spaces and comfortable seating; and begin interior renovations to reflect the needs of the community.

Comeau: My goals are to support continued programming that reflects the community’s needs. Working with a talented staff, I intend to support access to our services, enhanced building needs, and innovative solutions to challenges ahead. My priority is to work with the Building Renovation Committee as we service the physical needs of an aging building. Finally, I will always support free and open access to information and materials, and I will work to safeguard the security of patrons and staff.

Foley: First, we must address the full scope of the exterior and interior damage at the library (the extent of water damage behind the walls is still unknown). The current trustees have served since the expanded library opened in 2003 and totally neglected the roof and HVAC system, resulting in a needlessly expensive repair project that residents must now pay for. Second, I am enthusiastic about the new challenge of redesigning the space in the library so that patrons will be assured quiet spaces while the students will have a place to congregate and work on their projects. Third, the library must remain a space free of politics, where every patron has free access to books. While parents control what books come into their home, we want to ensure open access for everyone to books, digital material and programs.

Milman: There is an opportunity for increased programming for our senior patrons. Workshops teaching hands-on computer skills, social media proficiency, and financial planning for all incomes would be welcome additions to better serve Canton’s growing demographic. I’d also like to see the library cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis and worn furniture and carpet replaced as needed. New book and media acquisitions should be published monthly on the library website; trustee meeting minutes should be promptly uploaded; and meetings should air on local cable access.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Mar 23 2023. Filed under Opinion, Town Election. Both comments and pings are currently closed.