January 27, 2009

ALA President

After hearing both candidates speak at the Chapter Relations Committee meetings here at ALA Midwinter, I'm planning to support and vote for Roberta Stevens. The fact that she has so much direct connection with the powers in DC for funding libraries, I think her fund raising connections will make her the better candidate. Both candidates are really great and this will be a close race but I think Roberta will benefit the association's interest the best.
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4 comments:

  1. Hey Curtis!

    While I agree that both candidates are talented, and I truly respect your opinon, I respectfully disagree that Roberta Stevens is the better candidate. Kent Oliver has years of experience in actual lobbying at all levels of government, including plenty of time calling on legislators in Washington, D.C. He also has significant chapter involvement in three states, including service as the president of both the Missouri and Kansas library associations. These positions combined with his four years as chair of the Intellectual Freedom Committee, his six years as Kansas Chapter Councilor to the ALA council, and his three years as a member of the ALA Executive Board make him preemminently qualified to serve as president of ALA. After a number of years of knowing Kent in his role as the Executive Director of the Stark County District Library in Canton (OH), I can say without hesitation that he is a smart, pragmatic, action-oriented person who will fulfill the duties of ALA president with unfailing dedication. You can read more about his qualifications and experience at www.kentonoliver.com.

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  2. Hi Pam! Thanks for your post! Since Roberta meets monthly with Michelle Obama's staff I think she's got a leg up on a more direct line of communication tho... I think this time it's going to be a very very close ALA presidential race! :-)

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  3. Howdy from cold and snowy Ohio --

    I've heard that sentiment from more than one person (very very close race) and I think it's true.

    So, may the better/best candidate win!

    Thanks for being so gracious about my comment on your post!

    Now we just need to get YOU on Council!!!

    Ciao!

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  4. there's time for council! :-) that may be my next challenge :-)

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