Tony Lantz, Candidate For Oak Lawn Public Library Board

OAK LAWN, IL — Tony Lantz is running for the Oak Lawn Public Library Board of Trustees. He is one of four candidates running for three open seats. Term are for six years.

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Early voting is underway. The consolidated election is April 4.

Read Lantz's answers to the Patch candidate survey.

Name: Tony Lantz

Age (as of Election Day): 57

Town/City of Residence: Oak Lawn

Office Sought: Oak Lawn Library Board

Family: I am married and have 3 daughters

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Occupation: President of Leisure Technologies Inc., and General Manager of Lawn Aqua Club

Campaign website or Facebook or other social media: N/A

Previous or current elected or appointed office: None

The most pressing issues facing the library are: Keeping the library relevant by making it a place families want to visit on a regular basis. I intend on building onto the current foundation of programs offered by the library by giving additional ideas, support, and input on other programs we can offer.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I am not familiar with the other candidates’ credentials, but I can offer my expertise in business to help build and continue to make the library relevant and financially sound for today and the future.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community or district?

I don’t think “failed” is a fair characterization because library use has been on the decline for decades. A recent study by the Survey Center on American Life showed that libraries do not play significant roles in the lives of Americans: only 7 percent said they visit libraries on a weekly basis. I think we should try to do more to bring people to the library I am running to get involved and to ensure the resources available are maximized and the library is financially sound.

How would you help raise awareness about library services, collections, and programs? I am a hands-on person and have a good track record in this area. I was part of the small group that drove the renovations at Lawn Aqua Club, where we went from less than 500 members to more than 3,000 in a matter of 2 years.

What areas of the library collection would you like to see expanded? I know there was talk about creating an area for and focus on Oak Lawn seniors, but I haven’t seen that materialize. This would be a fantastic way to re-invigorate interest in the library.

Are there any specific areas of the library collection that you like to use? What are they? I like the magazine and periodicals section on the 2nd floor and the ability to read about things from around the world while overlooking our beautiful Village Green.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support inclusivity for all community members, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so? I referred to the focus on seniors above – I would like to see more done for our seniors.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: Fiscal responsibility. The Oak Lawn 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.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I was the Vice President of Operations for 14 years at a successful small business until it was sold and helped spearhead the renovations at Lawn Aqua Club where I am now the General Manager.

Why should voters trust you? I am a thoughtful, introspective, and respectful of others’ opinions, and put a lot of time and effort into the things that interest me, like the library does.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office a success? Fiscal restraint and accountability and more programs for the Village’s various population demographics, especially our seniors.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking? I would ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly.

In what ways can intergovernmental relationships with state, county and other local governmental agencies be strengthened or improved? I think there is a lot of potential for intergovernmental cooperation with the Village, the Park District and the schools. By working together, we can provide more things for our residents and likely at lower cost.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family? No

The best advice ever shared with me was: “The Janitor is just as important as the President, Treat EVERYONE with kindness and respect.”