Books on my Nightstand - Andrew Bechard for Albany Public Library Trustee

My name is Andrew Bechard and I’m running for Albany Public Library Board of Trustees. If you would like to know more about me and why I’m running for Trustee you can read my profile on the right side of the blog screen or scroll down to my April 21st post immediately below. This particular post is about the books on my nightstand.

The Albany Public Library has a wonderful selection of sources and media. Library members can get free internet access, and borrow CD’s and DVD’s. Members with computer savvy can download audio-books and e-books to their MP3 player, personal computer or PDA.

What about just plain old-fashioned books? I have several on my nightstand:

Perfectly Legal: The Covert Campaign to Rig Our Tax System to Benefit the Super Rich - and Cheat Everybody Else by David Cay Johnston

Breaking Rank: A Top Cop’s Expose of the Dark Side of American Policing by Norm Stamper.

Educating Esme: Diary of a Teacher's First Year by Esme Raji Codell

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

I’m one of those people who have several books going at the same time. Sometimes you can hit a bit of a rough patch with a book and before you can pick it up again you have to read something a little different, maybe a little lighter. Of course my nightstand can also become stacked with magazines and newspaper articles that I’ve put aside for when I have more time to read them.

Finding time to read can often be a problem. My next blog post will include some tips for making time to read.

Andrew Bechard for Albany Public Library Trustee

My name is Andrew Bechard. I am an attorney and a community advocate - I've worked with several community groups in Albany in an effort to improve neighborhoods and reduce poverty and homelessness.

I am running for the Library Board because I believe I can make a real difference.

The Albany Public Library is starting a $29.1 million dollar Branch Improvement Plan. That's a lot of money and Albany library taxes will increase by about 40% to carry the debt service for the acquisition/design/construction/renovation. While it is a significant percentage increase - I believe the new investment is fully justified. I am a supporter of the Branch Improvement Plan and I firmly believe the new schools and new libraries in Albany will help make our city the best in the region.

When you put the increase in dollar terms - if you own a $100,000 house you now pay about $111 in taxes to support the Albany Public Libraries - when you factor in the debt service, you'll pay about $161 per year.

The excellent work of the library staff and the library trustees make the Albany Public Library a real community treasure. The Friends of the Albany Public Library group is a tremendous resource and Albany is fortunate to have so many involved and committed volunteer supporters.

A library trustee will need construction and procurement experience to assist the Albany Public Library with implementing the Branch Improvement Plan. A plan with this many steps, phases and projects has the potential for delays, confusion and missed budget targets. When timetables are missed costs begin to go up resulting in the need to do new borrowing. As a Library Trustee I would bring over a dozen years of legal experience on several multi-million dollar public projects to the table. I will ask the right questions and I have the management skills to ensure Albany taxpayers get maximum return for the tax dollars spent on the Branch Improvement Plan.

The Library Trustees have made an excellent choice in contracting with the New York State Dormitory Authority to manage the plan, but the Trustees still have substantial responsibilities in overseeing the acquisition/design/construction/renovation. My skills and experience can bring real value to the Board of Trustees and can help the plan move forward in an efficient and economical fashion.

I thank you for taking the time to read this blog and I am asking you for your vote on May 15.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at abechard@gmail.com or 489-2393.