Candidate Profile: Melissa Mark, Birmingham Library Board Member

Birmingham MI

22 October, 2021

10:47 AM

Description

BIRMINGHAM, MI — There are three open seats for Birmingham Library Board Member in November's general elections. To help readers make informed choices, Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near. Melissa Mark is an Independent running for Birmingham Library Board Member. Here's hw she filled out her profile: Live in Birmingham? Click here to subscribe to our free breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and download our free mobile app on Android or iPhone. Age (as of Election Day) 68 Position Sought Birmingham Library Board Member Party Affiliation Independent Family Married 43 years with two children and three grandchildren. Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? no Education BS Business Fairfield University, MS Library Information Services Wayne State University. Occupation Prior to retirement: Xerox five years, Consulting two years, HUB seven years, PTSA volunteer over 15. Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office Incumbent Baldwin Public Library board member. Campaign website No website. Why are you seeking elective office? Having successfully completed Phase 2, I am heavily involved in Phase 3 of PBL and am fervently committed to BPL Outreach. The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it. Outreach to the community - staff has identified over 80 organizations that we are in the process of meeting in person to connect BPL with them so that the organizations enjoy more success and benefit - ex. new mobile computer lab coming, story tellers at YMCA, Historical Museum program/monthly, increased meeting room availability and upgrades, new primary school kits being developed, etc. What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I am the only candidate with a library degree. I also worked briefly at BPL. I also volunteered on the Friends board for several years. If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency) While I believe overall Baldwin is an excellent library with innovative programming and resources, I do not believe we have connected with non-library users as well as we could. I have initiated a major effort with staff and the board to improve this challenge. How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently? The coronavirus was the disruptor of the century! I think we did very well staying open longer than most and creating lots of take home kits and resources. Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform. Phase 3 is the final piece of Baldwin's overall building renovation. It is key that it is done right. What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I initiated fundraising in 2018 to supplement funds for Phase 2. I was on the building committee for Phase 2, which I believe has been a tremendous success with the expansion of Youth Services. I have been involved in BPL's landscaping on the south side, and excited about the north side play area to go in November. I am fiscally responsible having served on the building committee and researched several bidders. The best advice ever shared with me was: Find your passion - and I've found it. What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I am accessible and open-minded. I believe in listening to both sides so that a viable compromise is reached. I love watching kids be so excited about coming to the library and exploring all the possibilities of a new world! I want adults to be that way too.