(Editor's note: This week we asked each candidate two questions. We did not set a word limit for the answers since the questions were rather straightforward. We will alternate whose answers come first in the coming weeks. - CF)

What have you done and what are you currently doing to prepare yourself to serve on the library board if you are elected?

I have spoken to a number of people who have been involved in the library for many years and attended the latest board meeting (and plan to attend future meetings). I also met with the interim director and had a detailed discussion with her about current issues facing the library.

How many hours a week are you prepared to devote to library board matters? How did you arrive at your number?

Based on information gathered from the board meeting I attended, I expect to devote 7-10 hours per month to board matters. I answered per month because the amount of time per week will vary based on committee and general board meetings. I also expect that there will be times when more time will be required, especially if I were to be involved in the construction process.

What have you done and what are you currently doing to prepare yourself to serve on the library board if you are elected?

The best indicator of how a candidate will perform as library trustee is the amount of time and attention he or she devotes to preparing to serve if elected. Toward that end, I have spent months preparing to serve on the Great Neck Library Board. I have attended meetings of the current Great Neck Library Board and I must admit that I am disappointed with the lack of courtesy and decorum exhibited by certain members toward their fellow board members. It is also evident to me that on the overriding issue of badly needed renovations to the main branch, certain members of the board are determined to talk the issue to death rather than honestly admitting their opposition to any improvements. This sorry state of affairs cannot be allowed to continue.

In addition to attending board meetings, I have toured every branch of the Great Neck Library system as well as many of the other libraries in Nassau County. I am sorry to report that almost every town and village in Nassau boasts a more modern and updated library than our main branch. By way of example, our neighboring communities of Manhasset, Port Washington and Syosset have all recently completed major renovations to their main branches in the last six years.

Since the question of renovations to the main branch looms so large, I have thoroughly reviewed the Great Neck Library's agreement with the architect for phase one of the main branch renovation project. While I do not wish to intrude on the role of the Great Neck Library's own attorneys, I wanted to bring my law school education and experience building my own home to bear in understanding what the respective rights and responsibilities of each party are under that agreement.

I have also informally met with the staff of each of the branches of the Great Neck libraries so that I could hear their ideas and concerns and learn the library system from those on the "front lines." Following the recent unexpected resignation of our Library Director Arlene Nevens, the board should keep its ears open to ensure that the needs of our dedicated library staff are being met.

Finally, I have met with dozens of residents throughout the Great Neck Library system to listen to their views on the library and how it can best serve their present and future needs.

How many hours a week are you prepared to devote to library board matters? How did you arrive at your number?

In my view, being a library board trustee is almost the equivalent of a full-time job. I am a very detail oriented person and there is so much to be done to improve our library that mastery of all that is involved will require a commitment of many hours. I am fortunate that my children have reached school age and that I have reached a point in my life where I can devote myself to community service.