Mahopac Public Library Board of Trustees Preview
With four candidates running for three open seats on the Mahopac Public Library Board of Trustees, below is a preview of the four residents vying for office. The board and budget vote will take place June 2, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the library.
Anthony Battista- Incumbent
As someone who’s involved in operations and facilities management, Anthony Battista knows his experience allows him to help run the Mahopac Library. Part of his focus as a current trustee is getting the “best bang for your buck,” finding cost saving measures wherever he can to keep the library budget slim. On the board for about ten years, he and other trustees said the budget has been stable for many years, finding the right contracts and services for the library. For instance, he and other trustees are looking for a way to better use the HVAC system so it runs both the heating and air conditioning. “Financially we’re keeping costs down,” he said. Battista said he would like to see the library possibly invest in a generator, noting how it could be a haven during terrible weather. When Hurricane Sandy tore through the region, droves of residents came to the library, which was only closed a few days. With a generator, it could be used from the moment the storm ends, rather than waiting for power to come back in that area. “I’m more of a business guy, than a book guy,” he said. “Making everything run smoothly is critical.”
Frank Del Campo- Incumbent
A former Carmel supervisor and deputy county executive, Frank Del Campo, a current trustee, has always been involved in civic life. He’s been on the board for eight years and is currently the board president. “It’s more or less something I enjoy,” he said. “I think the library is so critical in our community.” Del Campo said the board has been able to stay within the tax cap, which in turn, makes residents qualify for a tax credit from the state. With a lean budget, services have been kept, Del Campo noted. The board has also worked hard on a capital plan for the library building, which is 12-years-old, to keep it in good shape. Finally, the board hired director Michelle Capozzella, who is “really and truly leading us into the 21st century.” Del Campo wants to continue to make the library a place for those job- hunting to come in and do searches, as well as a resource for residents that need to do research on computers. He wants to see the library be as versatile as possible. “I want to be able to foster the notion that the library is a community where folks can come in with their children, or themselves, elderly, whatever, and truly have a great day,” he said.
Joseph Tock- Incumbent
Calling the Mahopac Public Library the “heart of the community,” Joseph Tock can rattle off several things he’s done as a board trustee to ensure the library remains the “the most important people’s center” in town. He was the chairman of the MPL Search Committee, which landed current director Michelle Capozzella, who he believes is the “right person to lead our library into the technology driven 21st century.” When the library was being constructed, he was the chairman of the Major Gift Campaign that raised funds to enhance the library, increasing the number of computers, adding cork floors, and also adding comfortable seating to overlook Lake Mahopac. Tock noted the board has been fiscally responsible, proud to propose budgets under the state mandated cap while not cutting programs or services. Tock said the main concern going forward is funding each year, with the drive to stay open almost 70 hours a week, maintain staff and circulation, and update technology. “I live and work and play in this community; I am proud to have raised my family in this community,” Tock said. “I believe in the MPL, and the many opportunities it offers our citizens.”
John Nicolais
Just as anyone already on the board, John Nicolais simply wants to serve his community and give something back. As someone who uses the library for different things, he usually finds himself there “quite a bit.” Over the recent years, Nicolais believes the library is running well, but there is always room for improvement. He brings an accounting experience and would like to find cost savings without sacrificing services. “It’s important to look at all the costs and keep it as low as possible,” Nicolais said. “And get the maximum service out of those costs.” If elected, he would like to analyze each program the library has and do a cost-benefit analysis. “Just like you can build a bridge to nowhere, you can build a program to nowhere where virtually nobody is getting any benefit out of it,” Nicolais said. For instance, with some incredibly specialized magazines with few readers, it could be worth eliminating or replacing those magazines with ones that will be read more often. “It’s just to make better use of the resources we have,” he said.
