A Niles resident who sought a referendum last year on term limits for library board commissioners is running for a seat on that same board this April.
Joe Makula is running for a two-year, unexpired term on the Niles-Maine District Library Board against opponent John “Jack” Ryan, an accountant.
Makula last July submitted a petition seeking to place a referendum on the November 2020 ballot asking if library trustees should be limited to one term, but the library declined to certify the petition.
Makula has previously circulated petitions that led to referendums on term limits for village elected officials and a block on the mayor filling trustee vacancies.
Ryan is a 22-year resident of the village and this is his first run for office. Makula has lived in Niles since 1971.
– Original Credit: Jack Ryan
– Original Credit: Joe Makula
Five candidates will also appear on the ballot running for three six-year terms on the library board, and a sixth candidate is an official write-in candidate for a six-year term.
Early voting for the April 6 election was scheduled to begin March 10 at limited Cook County locations. Niles Village Hall, 1000 Civic Center Drive, will host early voting from March 22 through April 5.
What is your opinion of the library’s current operation?
Joe Makula: They don’t seem to know what various aspects of their operations cost. Processes, procedures and outcomes are not measured, analyzed or accounted for realistically. The number of programs pre-COVID is unmanageable and in some cases they are sparsely attended. There is duplicity in sending personnel to schools and competing with the school’s library and librarian.
Jack Ryan: I am proud of our community’s award-winning library and would like to see the continuation of the resources that are available to its patrons, whether it be in-person or virtual.
What are the top 3 issues facing the library?
Joe Makula: The current issues facing the library include what adjustments the post-COVID library will have to make; to keep the same level of services without raising taxes because many taxpayers are struggling in this fragile economy, and to develop programs that are relevant to young people.
Jack Ryan: The COVID Pandemic: Soon we will be reopening the library to the public in a safe and effective manner, based on the CDC guidelines. The Board will support the director’s plan and keep open communication so that this can be done effectively while keeping the staff and patrons safe. The budget: The board has the ability to work closely with the library director and business manager to keep the budget flat. Repairs: Repairing the roof and other needed rehabilitation projects to enable our library’s patrons to use our facility to its full and greatest potential.
What new initiatives or projects would you like to see funded by the library?
Joe Makula: If any new projects are started we must analyze and cut back current projects that are being underutilized so as not to increase the tax burden. The resources needed by people training for and applying for jobs should be analyzed and improved. I think there are areas where the Niles Library and the Niles Historic society could work together on various projects of local interest.
Jack Ryan: I would like to see the library continue to build on their online programs that our community has relied on during the pandemic. I believe it would be beneficial for our library to collaborate in community events (virtual or in person) so that our library is seen and heard throughout the community.
What is your level of understanding of library finances and library operation?
Joe Makula: I have attended most of the library board meetings for the last four years and I am familiar with current library operations, budgeting, spending and taxing.
Jack Ryan: I understand the difference between our operating and special reserve budgets, and their purpose.
What is your profession?
Joe Makula: I am a retired businessman. I majored in accounting and marketing at Loyola University and was in the wholesale, real estate, and construction business.
Jack Ryan: I am an accountant and have been practicing for three years. I recently received a masters in accounting science and am studying to receive my CPA.
Anything else?
Joe Makula: My wife Mary and I moved to Niles in 1971 where we raised four sons and have nine grandchildren. Three grandchildren live in Niles and use the library. I served in the Illinois National Guard, I was a den and Boy Scout leader for pack 175 at St. John Brebeuf Church, I served on the Niles Citizens Ethics Committee, and led the referendum drive for term limits and other voter initiatives in Niles.
Jack Ryan: I have lived in the Niles-Maine district for 22 years and would be humbled to serve on the board to ensure fiscal responsibility without compromising the diverse programming that enrich our community.
