Yonkers Insider: Message from Re-elect Cathlin Gleason.

Dear Voter:    I am asking for your support in my run for re-election as Trustee to the Mount Vernon Public Library. In February of 2016, I was appointed to the Board of Trustees and subsequently elected on May 3, 2016. My history of service to the community dates back to my teen years and my love for the library and its rich history spans decades. While on the Board I have served on several important committees; Chair of Finance, member of Buildings and Grounds as well as Personnel. I have been an active Trustee, spending countless hours doing the work necessary to propel the library forward.

One of the things I am most proud of while serving on Buildings and Grounds is the Board's commitment to the safety of not only our staff and patrons, but the surrounding community. We upgraded exterior lighting to brighter LED, expanding coverage to include parts of a darkened area on 2nd Avenue. light. By bringing light to darkness safety has been improved not only for our patrons but for the community as well. Just recently, we went out to bid on an enhanced security system that can be monitored remotely, a safety feature that is way overdue. The Board of Trustees took a bold step and sponsored an Active Shooter/Threat Training for staff that has forged a new partnership with the MVPD.

When I came on board as a Trustee plans were already underway for reorganization. While serving on the Personnel Committee I knew how important it is for staff to stay relevant in order for the Library to be competitive in today's fast paced world. As guardians of taxpayer dollars the Board needed to address concerns that could impede progress. We upgraded employee work stations, modernizing not only computer equipment but software so our employees could complete tasks more timely and efficiently. An antiquated telephone system was upgraded. Positions were evaluated and funding for part-time support staff was secured. We recently hired a new Library Director who possesses the leadership skills to oversee our Central Library operations. Additionally, I fully supported the passage of a contract with the union granting employees retroactive increases after 6 years of contract negotiation stalemates that was fiscally reasonable for taxpayers.

EMPLOYEE WORKSTATION UPGRADES

As a Library Trustee I can honestly say that we are committed to bringing the Mount Vernon Public Library back to its position as a resource within the community for more things than books. Plans are in the works to construct a Teen Computer Lab that will address bridging the gap in the digital divide, providing a place for young people to learn, create and grow . We have saved taxpayers over $2 million in roof repairs and we were able to add an additional 15-year guarantee on the work by using the manufacturer's contractor to complete the upgrade. In addition, the replacement of a dated elevator with a new sturdier one, rehab of restrooms and the current replacement of all exterior doors are examples of the type of improvements we are making at the Library. ROOF REPLACEMENT BEFORE AND AFTER

One of the most important jobs I have held as a Library Trustee has been Chair of Finance. It is through this assignment that the Board of Trustees put proper practices in place as a measure to safeguard taxpayer money. We have secured grant monies for building repairs and have saved the library over $20,000 by completing a review of all insurance policies currently covering the building and our operations. We have installed the first self-serve book and media check out machines in the state. Our efforts continue today to save taxpayers money as we research the purchase of software to streamline the approval and payment process to our vendors. Because of our watchful and prudent spending we were able to propose a 0% increase for taxpayers this year.  I would also like to ask for your support for my running mate, Trustee Jamie Pessin, who has skills that can be utilized as the Board moves forward. Appointed in May 2020, he has already made recommendations that will transform our library. His energy and work ethic is exactly what the Mount Vernon Public Library needs. Westchester's Central Library is located right here in Mount Vernon and we aim to keep it here!    I am asking your consideration of my candidacy for re-election as a Trustee of the Mount Vernon Public Library Board. I intend to continue contributing to the demonstrated progress the library has achieved. You can be sure that I will continue service with the same commitment and energy I have put forth over this term. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Thank you for your time and consideration.     Cathlin Gleason