Mokena Library trustee resigns, questions board’s financial direction
By Susan DeMar Lafferty slafferty@southtownstar.com July 20, 2012 7:10PM
Updated: August 23, 2012 6:05AM
Mokena Public Library Trustee Robert Neubauer has resigned after serving 19 years, including 14 years as board president.
“We accomplished so many things over the years,” he said, including the expansion of the library and its technology programs. “You have to give a lot of your personal time. I have fewer tomorrows than I did yesterday. My accomplishments are sufficient.”
Neubauer, 76, is the only trustee to represent Frankfort on the library board, a key factor in his decision to initially run for the post.
Neubauer said he was disappointed in the current board because it “wants to go in a different direction. The previous boards were fiscally conservative.” But he said that wasn’t a key reason that he decided to quit.
In his letter of resignation, Neubauer said the former board treasurer set aside extra funds for several years to repay a construction bond sale early and save $400,000 in interest.
The current board has decided not to do that “so, in effect, the taxpayers will be assessed an additional $400,000,” he wrote.
Saving taxpayers money is even “more significant in these economic times, with people losing their jobs and homes,” he said. “Is this being financially responsible?”
Neubauer’s term expires in 2016, and someone will be appointed to fill his seat until the next election.
