If approved by voters, the new library district would be governed by elected all-volunteer library district board of directors, candidates for which are also on the May 16 ballot. This board would oversee all library operations and finances.
Learn more at the Library District Candidates Forum from 10-11 am on Saturday, May 6, at the Grants Pass branch of Josephine Community Libraries, 200 NW C Street in Grants Pass.
Board responsibilities
The elected library district board governs all aspects of the library districts. Board members would follow public meeting law and meet regularly to conduct library business.
The district board will have the authority to contract for services, apply for grants, initiate volunteer partnership programs, and administer library operations.
An independent audit will be done each year to guarantee that the funds are used only for library operations.
Board candidates
Library district board board candidates, from left: John Harelson, Judy Williams, Beecher Ellison, Jennifer Roberts, Laurel Samson.
For the first election of board members, two district board members shall be elected for two-year terms and the other three district board members shall be elected for four-year terms. After those first terms are over, terms will be four years each.
The following candidates are running, unopposed, for the five board positions.
- Position 1: Beecher Ellison, four-year term
- Position 2: Laurel Samson, four-year term
- Position 3: Jennifer Roberts, two-year term
- Position 4: Judy Williams, two-year term
- Position 5: John Harelson, two-year term
See the candidate statements in the Voters’ Pamphlet, starting on page 17-32.
After formation of the district board and election to office, each district board member takes an oath of office. Board members may not have a financial interest, either directly or indirectly, in any library district contract. They may not receive a salary or other payment for board services.
Send all candidates a question or comment by emailing candidates@keepourlibrariesopen.com.
Updated 5/5/2017
Keep Our Libraries Open 