4 Candidates Vie For 3 Seats On Oak Lawn Library Board: Election 2023

OAK LAWN, IL — There are three open seats and four candidates running for the Oak Lawn Public Library Board in the April 4 consolidated election. Terms are for six years.

All four candidates responded to the Patch candidate questionnaire.

Joseph Skibinski

IncumbentJoseph Skibinski is a CPA, specializing in tax and audit. He views keeping budget growth below the rate of inflation, maintaining a balanced collection and programming schedule that meets the community’s needs and serves its interests, expanding services and resources for older residents and local business community, continuing the library’s tradition of remaining neutral in state and local politics as priorities for the next library board.

“Although it may not be readily apparent to many, we are on track to meeting these and the many additional goals of our strategic plan. “

Tony Lantz

Lantz is president of Leisure Technologies Inc., and general manager of Lawn Aqua Club. He’s running on a platform of fiscal responsibility.

“The Oak Lawn Public Library takes more than $5 million in taxes from Oak Lawn residents and businesses, and I will work to make sure that money is spent wisely.”

Carrie O’Keefe

O’Keefe co-owns two companies, Keeler Construction and City Fence Solutions, and taught elementary school for 15 years.

“Like almost all libraries, the pressing issue is declining patronage. My goal is to bring a state-of-the-art library to Oak Lawn that will drive patronage back in a positive direction.”

Heather McCarthy

McCarthy is a media specialist and librarian at Oak Lawn Hometown Middle School.

“I am very familiar with the ins-and-outs of librarianship, working well with others, and running successful programming. I am a strong leader and have led many large scale community events including our school’s annual 6K race and meal packaging events.”

The 2023 consolidated election is Tuesday, April 4. More storms and severe weather are possible later in the day, so you may want to head out early. You can find your ballot and polling place on the Cook County Clerk website.