Steven Andersson

On the Record

What experiences do you have that make you a good candidate for office?

I have been a Member, and the Treasurer (2 years), of the Geneva Public Library District for the last four years. I have also served our community in a variety of ways over the last 20 years: Liaison to the Library Interconnected Network (LINC) for Geneva, Member of the City of Geneva Advisory Committee relating to the Anniversary of SPAC, Member of the City of Geneva Smoking Ban Task Force, Member of the City of Geneva Water Rate Review Committee, Past President of the Kane County Bar Association, Board Member of the Kane County Bar Foundation, Member of the Board of the Aurora Family Counseling Service and Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Chairman of the Greater Aurora Chamber of Commerce School/ Business Partnership Program; Republican Precinct Committeeman for Geneva Precinct 3 (2008 to present); Member of General Assembly for the Illinois State Bar Association (2009 to present).

What are your top two or three priorities if elected?

All libraries face a critical challenge in the access to library books as more and more information comes out in electronic formats. Surprisingly, publishers are either limiting, or outright refusing, to allow libraries access to their publications. As citizens increasingly look to libraries for electronic materials, if publishers refuse to sell to libraries, the public libraries viability will be seriously challenged. We need to address this issue head on. Also, we, as a community, need to continue to evaluate our library’s space. Some community members wish to move the library, others wish to stay in its current downtown historic building. I believe this will continue to be an important dialogue for the board in the next four years and the changes in electronic media will affect this discussion significantly.

Would you support freezing your taxing district’s levy until housing prices rebound? Why or why not?

I prefer not make absolute statements or pledges. Our library has always “held the line” on expenses while continuing to serve the community. In fact this last year we LOWERED our levy. We will continue to manage the libraries finances in a responsible manner.

What one decision by the board do you most disagree with and why?

Dwelling on past decisions will not serve our community. Our library board has worked well to expand library services while maintaining a balanced budget.

What was the biggest accomplishment of the board in the past year?

1) Lowering our tax levy while expanding library services! This includes expanding access to electronic resources like e-books and reference materials; 2) Also, just before I assumed the Treasurers position, I advocated for a change in the way our budget was created each year. The changes I initiated challenged assumptions and required that budgets be based actual experience rather than estimates. I also restructured the budget to provide simplicity and clarity in its reports.

Why should voters elect you to office?

I am running for re-election for several reasons, but two issues are most significant. One: I have been blessed with many benefits in my life, one of which is the opportunity to live in the wonderful community of Geneva. As such, I wish to repay that benefit through this service. Libraries have, in my opinion always been a key element to our nations liberty and democracy. By serving, I want to insure the library’s continued viability and relevance in our community. TWO: I offer my experience in governing and finance. Throughout my entire legal career, I have advised local governments on issues relating to good government. I have seen many good and bad decisions and the consequences of those decisions. I bring that diverse knowledge and experience to this Board. In several capacities I have been responsible for the finances of several organizations similar to the Library Board, as such; I also have brought that experience to the Treasurers’ position. I believe we need to balance the need to fulfill our mission and to retain competent professionals, with the tax burden on our residents. I will continue to advocate for lean and transparent budgets.