Four vying for library board seats

SANDPOINT — Elections in Bonner County don’t get much more cordial than Tuesday’s contest for two spots on the East Bonner County Library District’s board of trustees.

The candidates include retired library director Wayne Gunter, retired librarian Gloria Ray, private-sector financial administrator Susan Shea and incumbent Trustee Jim Spagon.

It’s notable that the candidates, without prompting, have stated that each of their competitors have the experience necessary to be an effective trustee.

The candidates’ loyal bands of supporters have also tended to build up their picks, rather than tear challengers down.

But the aura of civility that surrounds the race does not mean it is without passionate candidates who want to capitalize on the success of the district, which is widely regarded to have some of the best facilities in the state.

Spagon said he’s seeking re-election to preserve momentum behind initiatives the board is working on.

“We’re a pretty tight-knit group and we’ve been progressively working on moving toward getting a better understanding of the needs of the community and doing some strategic planning,” said Spagon, who’s been on the board for the last five years.

Spagon was drawn to the trustee’s position after seeing a notice seeking applicants. Shea also was motivated to run after seeing a notice for trustee candidates.

Although Shea is the only candidate without prior ties to the library district, she has more than 30 years of financial and accounting experience — skills that will no doubt come in handy as taxing districts cope with challenging economic conditions.

Shea also plays up her ability to work with people and objectively consider contrasting points of view on an issue.

“In any public service role, you need to serve the public and not yourself,” said Shea, financial administrator for Pneumex in Sandpoint.

Ray, meanwhile, brings to the table 27 years of experience as the district’s librarian and wants to see it be more responsive to the needs of the public.

“The main thing is getting information about meeting the needs of patrons,” said Ray.

Gunter has 35 years of service with the district, the bulk of which were spent being its director. He said providing the best possible customer service with available funding is one of his main two goals.

“I also believe in taking care of employees the best way one possibly can. People have different views on that,” said Gunter.

Gunter wants to see the district investigate opening the library at 9 a.m., as most business and government offices do. He would also like to see the district consider longer-term loans for those who can’t plow through a book in a short period of time.

“I would like to see the library have more advocacy, more outreach in the community,” said Ray, who also questions whether the board is being overly cautious with some of its financial decisions.

Spagon, however, contends the caution is warranted.

“We’re moving into an economic downturn and the library is fortunate to be financially well-endowed right now,” said Spagon.

Shea pledges to be responsive to patrons’ needs.

“I’m hoping to hear about everybody’s issues,” said Shea, adding that she’s determined to make the right decisions even though the right thing to do can be sometimes difficult to see.