Empower Your Vote - Vote for James J. Moncada, Jr.

I have been an Arlington Heights resident since 2006.  I work as  a Senior Tax Manager for Deloitte Tax LLP. I received my undergraduate degree from DePaul University (Bachelor of Science in Accounting) and my my graduate degree from DePaul University (Master of Science in Taxation).

Why run for the Library Board?  Our library is a treasure. I have so many memories going to the library growing up and have enjoyed going to the library with my kids. I want others to continue to have that same feeling. Running for Library Trustee allows me to be a powerful advocate for the Arlington Heights library as well as actively contribute to the Arlington Heights community. I want to make sure ALL resources are available to everyone. I want to have a direct impact on what services and programs are or are not being offered. A six-year term will allow me to help shape the long-term future of the library and make sure it continues to be financially sound. As a frequent user of the library and enthusiastic reader, I want to give back to Arlington Heights.
Coming from many years in business, I feel I will have a fresh set of ideas as I already connect with a diverse community with my colleagues and clients. I have a proven record of listening to what their needs are and feel this knowledge will be easily transferrable to my work as a library trustee. I have, and will continue, to reach out to the library employees by asking them what is important to them and to say thanks for all their help. I will continue to reach out to families in my community about issues and what thoughts they have on a better library. I am a particularly good facilitator and I can bring different viewpoints together to discuss difficult issues. I have been able to pivot quickly and adjust when our environment continues to change.

I think the biggest challenge is finding and keeping adequate and qualified staff. This is vital. Having qualified and motivated staff makes the library visits more enjoyable. Having staff greet each person visiting the library and asking if there is anything they need help with. One way to find and keep qualified staff is to pay more. Make the staff feel they are an important part of the success of the library.

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The library currently does a respectable job fostering an inclusive and diverse environment and I agree with their statement on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility. I would implement programs that provides information on diversity in order to educate.

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I would have each member of the Library Board have fireside chats once week with the community to discuss whatever is on their mind. No agenda, just a conversation of what matters to them. This is an elected position. I know the minutes and agendas are posted on the website which I think is great. However, I would email, if available, to the community. Some either are not able or cannot attend these meetings so having the meeting notes, etc. easily accessible would go a long way.

I would implement programs that educate and assist with public safety. For an example, I would ask the Arlington Heights Police to provide free courses to teach people how to defend themselves and ideas on how to protect their homes. I would also ask the Arlington Heights Fire Department to do the same. Have them provide free programs on how to make houses and apartments safe and how to recognize danger and act. There should be a program to teach CPR. I would implement do-it-yourself classes like plumbing, landscaping, and home repairs.

I would also implement programs that are for the whole family and not just a certain member of the family. Keeping that family bond strong is important and having the family at the library participating in these types of classes will keep the family bond strong.  I would implement US passport and notary public services.

I am opposed to book banning of any kind and if elected, I would not have any books banned. To me, the library and those who are entrusted to uphold the bylaws of the library, should be nonpartisan. The first amendment, which states, Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. We should all be for free speech. We should all be for equal rights. Libraries are for everyone and everyone in the community pays taxes. Everyone in our community deserves to read or see what they want on the shelves without any fear or threat. I think if you have a position of power, you should speak out about it because if you do not, your silence is compliance. The thing about libraries is that librarians provide resources, but you do not have to check those resources out. If you are a parent and you do not want your child to look or check those books out, then do not, but you do not have a right to tell other people that they cannot. And that is what we are seeing. It is the same as TV shows. If you do not like a show, all you have to do change the channel. Shows should not be banned because one side of the political spectrum thinks they know what is best for its people.