Placentia Library District Board Race

Five candidates, including three incumbents, are competing for three open seats on the five-member Placentia Library District Board of Trustees. A look at the contenders:

Margaret

“Peggy” Dinsmore

Age: 75

Occupation: Retired teacher, former literacy tutor

Background: Incumbent; board member and literacy representative, California Assn. of Library Trustees and Commissioners; co-founder, library’s literacy program

Major issues: Supporting library district Measure W to raise revenue for increased library hours; restoring children’s programs and staff and buying new books; providing technological access and information

Robin Masters

Age: 48

Occupation: Librarian

Background: Incumbent; associate city librarian, Covina; former technical librarian, Orange County Transit Authority

Major issues: Supporting library district Measure W to restore library services, hours, materials and staff to levels before 1993; if tax measure fails, ensuring services are maintained to highest degree possible

Jean O. Pappas

Age: 67

Occupation: Retired

Background: State officer, American Assn. of University Women; former Placentia Citizen of the Year; former trustee, Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District

Major issues: Supporting library district Measure W to raise revenue for operating budget; restoring full-service library by rebuilding book collection, maintaining building, reinstating children’s programs and keeping pace with technological advances

Heith Rothman

Age: 21

Occupation: College student

Background: Counselor for Camp Titan, a program for underprivileged children; Associated Students president, Cal State Fullerton; former junior high school tutor

Major issues: Developing community outreach program; raising more money for library by working with community and businesses to increase hours and buy more books; enhancing and developing programs for children and seniors

Al Shkoler

Age: 60

Occupation: Document services manager

Background: Incumbent; Placentia Citizen of Year, 1995-96; past president, Placentia Chamber of Commerce; president-elect, Placentia Rotary Club

Major issues: Putting library on firm financial foundation; restoring library hours to seven days per week and increasing budget to buy books; improving and developing programs to offer patrons access to Internet and other computerized sources

Source: Individual candidates; Researched by DEBRA CANO / For The Times