Library Candidates Speak

The three candidates in the April 15 Manhasset Library trustee election met in the Community Room to hold a debate but neither challenger Gloria Su or Bill Harvey really questioned incumbent Donald O’Brien’s work during his years in office, nor did anyone in the audience.
In fact, all three basically had similar takes on the issues raised by audience questions during the debate, run by the League of Women Voters of Port Washington and Manhasset.
O’Brien, who’s lived in Manhasset for 47 years, was designated by moderator Jane Thomas to make the first opening statement. “Five years ago I ran on a platform based on sound fiscal management,” he said.
“I believe that I have kept my campaign promises,” he added, citing several of his initiatives including establishment of a building reserve fund, holding the budget under the tax cap and refinancing of the bond issue that built the library. He also said that the refinancing would save $900,000.”
Harvey, who like O’Brien has a background in commercial real estate, was next to open and spoke of his love of Manhasset, growing up in Washington, DC, and moving to Manhasset seven years ago. “I really, really love it here,” he told the audience of about 30. “This is home for me now. I have significant family here and a lot of great friends here, too.”
“I think it’s very important that the leadership of the library thinks in a forward leaning direction,” he continued. “We really have to think about how we’re going to allocate resources at a time when most government institutions are being asked to do a lot more with a lot less. As part of that process, we have to have a transparent financial reporting system.”
Dr. Su has lived in Manhasset for 12 years and is an associate professor at Columbia University Medical Center. She opened by speaking of how her husband and three children enjoyed the resources of the library and highlighted her experiences working with nonprofit agencies.
“The library is an integral part of our life,” she said. “One of the greatest things about Manhasset is its people. I have definitely been inspired by all of the people who volunteer in our community.”
Questions from the audience touched on topics regarding the current labor contract negotiations, expanded services for children, the candidates’ vision for the library’s next five years, the budget and its relatively low percentage of allocation for acquisitions, how they’d cut the budget, how they’d spend a theoretical $200,000 windfall, if it suddenly appeared, and parking problems.
O’Brien stated that a labor agreement is imminent and all the candidates agreed that expanded services for young children and teenagers and increasing technology capabilities would be priorities.
The proposed budget, also up for approval next Wednesday, said O’Brien, has 7.97 percent ($323,000) allocated for acquisitions. He explained that fixed costs for pensions, salaries and benefits accounted for 69.4 percent of the proposal.
Dr. Su mentioned that she had examined the budget and said,
“The budget has a lot of fixed costs and there’s not much wiggle room with that. Personnel are very important to the library. They are the people who run the programs and provide the services.”
About the windfall question, O’Brien and Dr. Su focused on technology while Harvey speculated that he might concentrate such money on reallocating space.
No one had a solution for expanding parking facilities but Harvey was optimistic. “I think there is an answer,” he said, mentioning possibilities of brokering agreements with neighboring churches and schools that have lots and the use of valet parking for special events. “We just haven’t found it yet.”
O’Brien stated that the board is constantly working on possible solutions, but “there’s no clear answer.”
“I think I’ve demonstrated my ability to be an effective board member, decision maker and library treasurer,” O’Brien said in his closing. “I believe that my term as trustee has provided significant benefits to the community.”
Said Harvey, “I’m here because of my kids. The library is integral to their lives. I think that I bring a wealth of knowledge, both in the private sector and nonprofit sector, that I think will be of benefit to the community.”
“I want the library to continue to be the treasure of Manhasset,” Dr. Su said. “I have a proven track record in program building, budgeting, fund raising, grant writing and staff management.”