2013 Election: Jeff Limp

Name: Jeff Limp

Position Sought: Frankfort Library District Trustee

Campaign Contact Information: JeffLimp@Comcast.net, Cell 312.404.3803

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

As the board chair for the library’s strategic planning committee, if elected, my most important priority is to see this important initiative through to completion. Working closely with the library director, staff and members of the committee, and in collaboration with the community, solicit feedback regarding the direction, goals, objectives and priorities that might be pursued by the library. And as an outcome, publish, adopt and support the implementation of a 3-year strategic plan.

Home Address: 10423 Nebraska St., Frankfort IL, 60423

Family Members:

Jan Limp, 52, Spouse
Jason Limp, 25, Son
Joshua Limp, 23, Son
Jeremy Limp, 18, Son
Jonathan Limp, 14, Son

Education: 

Masters of Science (MS), University of Illinois, Champaign, Graduate School of Library and Information Science, 2012
Masters of Business Administration (MBA), Lewis University, 1996
Bachelors of Arts (BA), North Central College, 1986

Current Occupation and Employer:

Senior Vice President, Global Product Implementation, Ipsos ASI
Adjunct Teacher, University of Illinois, Champaign, Graduate School of Library and Information Science
Trustee, Frankfort Public Library District
Trustee, Mokena Public Library District

Political Party Affiliation: This Library Board is non-partisan position

Why are you seeking office?

With 25 years of business experience, a Masters in Library Science, and as a Trustee on the Mokena and FPLD boards, I am very interested in applying my academic, business skills, knowledge and experiences to the Board and the library. I believe Libraries are a critical foundation for building and maintaining a strong and vibrant community and continuing to serve as a Trustee is to help ensure the FPLD continues to deliver on this promise.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I am the only member of the board with a Master's Degree in Library Science and currently serving as an adjunct faculty member at U of I's Library Graduate School. I am currently a Trustee at FPLD and previously a Trustee for the Mokena Library. With these experiences I bring a broad and contemporary understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing libraries and am able to recommend practical solutions to continue to improve the FPLD.

If elected, what changes would you work toward within the library district?

I firmly believe that public libraries must continue to adapt and change, and do so more rapidly than in the past in order to flourish. Libraries that remain static will cease to be relevant for their patrons and communities. If elected, I am committed to being a voice of change on the board to ensure your library remains relevant, vibrant and continues to play an active role in our community.

What are the strengths of this library district?

The FPLD is a steward of taxpayers’ money, having reducing the levy, paid off the bond and maintained prudent spending with a disciplined budget. The library continues to identify and invest in new technologies, develop and expand user programs, and provide broad access to library content. Most importantly, the library continues to retain and nurture the knowledgeable and highly skilled staffs of librarians and information professionals who are patron-focused and committed to excellence in service.

What areas of the district are most in need of improvement?

Complete the Library’s strategic plan to ensure the library continues to remain relevant to the constituents it serves. Leveraging the strategic plan, consider the changing/evolving needs of the library regarding the current physical space and community needs and make practical and fiscally prudent recommendations to meet the growing needs of the Library District’s 25,000 patrons.

Please add any other information pertinent to your campaign.

We have been residents of Frankfort for 13 years and remain active in the Lincoln-Way community with our 4 boys graduating from or attending Lincoln-Way East. As a family, we are frequent users and supporters of the Frankfort library and are committed to seeing the library remain a cornerstone of our community.