2023 Election Guide: Mahomet Public Library Candidates

Mike Cunningham, Stevi Stutzman and Scott Schaumann are the 2023 candidates for the Mahomet Public Library Board. Election day is April 4, but early voting sites across Champaign County are already open. Mr. Schaumann did not submit answers to the questions all candidates received. There are three open seats and three candidates.

Mike Cunningham

Why did you decide to run for the Mahomet Public Library Board?
I’ve always loved the library, it’s one of the truly great things about each community I’ve lived in. Now here in Mahomet with two children of my own, I see the value they receive from the services the Mahomet Public Library provides. I want to give back and serve the great community of Mahomet and believe working with the entire Board and John Howard I can contribute in a positive manner.

What are the top 3 issues you see facing the district in the next four years, what are your solutions to those issues and how do you plan to bring those solutions before the board?
The top 3 issues I see facing the Library in the next four years include 1. Censorship/politics bringing unwarranted attacks on the Director of Library’s choices in reading material 2. Awareness to the Mahomet public of all the services the Library provides for us. 3. Growth of the library physically. 

My plan is to work with and support an existing plan that is in action for the state of Illinois as it relates to censorship of circulation.

Advocate and support the Library Director’s marketing and advancement plan to help citizens learn of the different resources they can and should take advantage of.

Work with and support the Library Director’s Strategic Plan as it relates to building a larger footprint needed for the future growth of Mahomet.

What do you believe is the role of a board member?
My role will be to support the Library Director and to advocate for the Library.

Stevi Stutzman

Tell us about yourself:

Why did you decide to run for the Mahomet Public Library Board?
My name is Stevi Stutzman. I moved to Mahomet in Fall of 2021 with my husband and twin daughters. We moved here from Arthur, where I spent 10 years teaching early childhood and was a trustee on the Library Board for the Arthur Public Library. Due to moving, my time spent on the Arthur Library Board was short and I knew I wanted to continue to serve in our new community of Mahomet. I was so thrilled when I saw there were open seats for the Mahomet Library Board because serving would give me a way to get involved in the community and to be able to support the library, which my family and I love so much. 

What are the top 3 issues you see facing the district in the next four years, what are your solutions to those issues and how do you plan to bring those solutions before the board?

In full transparency, due to being newly moved to Mahomet, I am unaware of any specific issues that the district may face. However, with that said, I still believe I can contribute to any issues that may arise. I can contribute by further educating myself on issues that the district may face and by using my strengths of communication and teamwork to brainstorm possible solutions, once a part of the Library Board. 

What do you believe is the role of a board member?
I believe the role of a board member is to support the library staff, especially the director, to ensure proper and wholesome management of the library so that it can best serve and represent its community members. I also believe it is crucial, as a board member, to support the library mission statement: together we create a welcoming community that empowers everyone to learn, connect, create, and grow.