The Altadena Library District election is Tuesday, November 5. There are three candidates vying for two seats on the Board of Trustees, and Altadenablog is presenting profiles of the candidates in their own words. Part I is candidate Steven S. Lamb. Part 2 is candidate Meredith McKenzie.
Find your polling place by going to lavote.net.
Candidate: David Tuck, 68, Owner, Advanced Carpet, Rug and Floor Service since 1967
Altadena Library Board Trustee since 2007 (Incumbent)
Years Altadena Resident: 45 years
What are the challenges that the library district will face in the coming years?
Always balance the budget and maintain zero debt. Continue to enhance the library as the center of Altadena's cultural and civic life. Modernize the main branch to standards for Americans with Disabilities Act, energy-efficiency, safety, and technology, while preserving mid-century modern design with continuing community involvement.
What do you bring to the table to meet those challenges?
Member, Altadena Library Board of Trustees since 2007 and all the progress achieved during that time, including income-producing Passport and Notary Public services, safety issues, building design exploration, ADA compliance, successful grant applications, wireless internet access at both branches
Member, California Library Association Honor Board
Member, Friends of the Altadena Public Library
Member, Altadena Heritage
Fellow Altadena Community Member of Library Strategic Planning Committees 2008 and 2013
Enjoyed an annually balanced library budget with zero debt for the past six years
BA, MA, Teaching Credential Program in History, Occidental College
Former Board Member, Alumni of Occidental College in Education
Former Board Member, Occidental College Business Associates
Former CEO and Chairman of the Board of California Fabricare Institute
Candidate’s Statement
In the early days, progressive groups established crude forms of libraries at railroad stations for the benefit of men who worked and lived on the rails far from home. As a youth, when hitchhiking across Route 66, one of these lingering institutions provided me with a night's rest in an overstuffed chair. I still recall awakening in a stale, smoke-filled room echoing with strings of profanity from men in bib overalls chewing tobacco, spittoons everywhere.
The concept of providing free information and literature to people when and where they need it continues to fascinate me. As a member of the Altadena Library District Board of Trustees for the last six years, it has been my pleasure to successfully oversee the business of our libraries with balanced budgets and zero debt. Much has been accomplished. Income producing passport and notary public services have been added. We have progressively improved our conformity to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In fact, our Bob Lucas branch on Lincoln Avenue is now in full compliance. Both of our facilities provide wireless internet access. We have secured Global Language, Family Place and literacy grants.
All of our board meetings are open to the public. Planning for the future of the library always includes input from its patrons and the Altadena community. We have recently completed two five-year Altadena Library Strategic Plans (2008-2012 and 2013-2017) with a full range of community participation, each over a period of several months.
In the past, some libraries may only have consisted of one book shelf in an unkempt and rowdy atmosphere compared with the quiet, comfortable variety of today. But, whatever form into which they evolve in the future, perhaps beyond pulp and cyberspace, I consider it a joyful responsibility and privilege to be a part of their direction as a re-elected trustee of the Altadena Library.
