Toni Ann Kessel Runs Unopposed

On April 13, a public vote will be held at the Glen Cove Public Library for one of the five chairs on its Board of Trustees.

Toni Ann Kessel, the incumbent, is running unopposed. 

Kessel, who is married with two children, has lived in the city for 45 years. She is currently the second senior trustee on the board, along with its President Mike Maher. The two were appointed together in 1992. 

At that time, the board was under the auspices of the city government, so members were appointed by the mayor. Now, the library is part of the school district and all members like Kessel have to be elected to five year terms. Kessel's seat is the only one up for election this year. 

"We all had to run the first year that became the case," Kessel explained. "Since then, it's been staggered and this is my third time running for trustee."

The tasks of the library board include writing and proposing a yearly budget, negotiating the framework for labor, hiring and firing, and, most importantly, keeping the facilities up-to-date with the needs of the city.

Patch recently spoke with Kessel about her reelection bid.

Patch: What have you accomplished as a trustee?

Toni Ann Kessel: Over the years we have renovated the library's community room downstairs, installed an extension, and put in a ramp and elevator to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Most of the time, we've been keeping the facilities up-to-date with paintings and upgrades to the computers. We're keeping things modern, I should say.

P: Why are you seeking another term and what do you have planned for your next term?

TAK: To finish out on what the board has started. We want to see if we can get a new building or to increase its size to what it should be for the size of the community, and bring it up-to-date with other libraries on Long Island like Port Washington and Manhasset.

The library trustee election and annual budget vote  is scheduled for next Tuesday in the library's community room from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.