From dulongj at habitant.org Thu Feb 5 16:46:18 2004 From: dulongj at habitant.org (John P. DuLong) Date: Thu Feb 5 16:45:37 2004 Subject: [BHC] New Library Commissioners Appointed Message-ID: One of the dedicated Advocates sent me the following information: >This notice went to the Detroit Library employees last night: "I am glad to >announce that two new Commissioners have been appointed to the Detroit Library >Commission by Dr. Kenneth Burnley, Chief Executive Officer of Detroit Public >Schools. They are > >Ms. Phyllis Jose, former Director of the Oakland County Library and immediate >past president of the Michigan Library Association and, Ms. Carole Jasper >Quarterman, Chief Executive Officer of the Child Care Coordinating Council of >Detroit/Wayne County (4C) Ms. Jose's term runs through 2009 and Ms. Quarterman's >term runs through 2007. " > >Nancy Skowronski >Director and CEO >Detroit Public Library Does anyone know about Ms. Jose or Ms. Quarterman? The appointment of a librarian to the board is hopefully a step in the right direction. I understand at the last board meeting they lacked a quorum yet again. Perhaps the new members will take their responsibilities more seriously and influence the others in a positive manner. We can only hope. Regards, John P. DuLong, Ph.D. Acadian and French Canadian Genealogy 959 Oxford Road Berkley, MI 48072-2011 USA (248) 541-2894 dulongj@habitant.org From dulongj at habitant.org Sun Feb 8 06:26:11 2004 From: dulongj at habitant.org (John P. DuLong) Date: Sun Feb 8 06:25:25 2004 Subject: [BHC] New Library Commissioners Positive Comments Message-ID: Hello All, Just wanted to let all of you know that I have heard from several people now about the new Detroit Library Commissioners. Ms. Phyllis Jose has been positively praised by several people. She is a very experienced librarian, not politically naive, and should be able to have a positive impact on the Commission. Likewise, I have heard good things about Ms. Quarterman. Perhaps we are finally turning the corner. But with even the best people on board it is going to take years to repair the damage caused by Dr. Wheeler and the other Commissioners. Now I wonder who has been replaced on the Commission. We know one of the new Commissioners replaces the late Judge Bledsoe-Ford, but which other Commissioner was not renewed? Anyone know? Of course, we will find out by the time of the next Detroit Library Commission meeting. The next big thing will be the effort to renew the millages. As I learn more I will let you know. Regards, JP John P. DuLong, Ph.D. Acadian and French Canadian Genealogy 959 Oxford Road Berkley, MI 48072-2011 USA (248) 541-2894 dulongj@habitant.org From dulongj at habitant.org Mon Feb 9 15:36:38 2004 From: dulongj at habitant.org (John P. DuLong) Date: Mon Feb 9 15:36:19 2004 Subject: [BHC] More Information on Commissioners Message-ID: Thanks to information from others I have learned the following: 1. Karen DiChiera is now President of the Detroit Library Commission and her term expires on December 31, 2004. 2. Johnnie Hunter's term expired on December 31, 2003 and she is being replaced by one of the new commissioners. 3. The other new commissioner is replacing Judge Bledsoe-Ford's term that expires on December 31, 2007. 4. Bishop Johnson's term runs out on December 31, 2005. 5. Judge Thomas goes out in December 31, 2006. 6. Martin was reappointed last year and does not go out until December 31, 2008. As one of you pointed out to me, some of these old commissioners will probably be eager to leave because there is no fun in working with an institution with dwindling funds and hard and unpopular decisions to be made. I also learned that Ms. Quartermain was involved in the keep the doors open campaign to build funding for the Detroit Public Library I believe in the 1980s. They are going to need her expertise. The next big challenge for the Detroit Library Commission is the millage renewal. The taxpayers of Detroit are not pleased with the broken promises made to them in the past regarding the Detroit Public Library and the use of their tax dollars. My advice to the Commissioners is to admit they made mistakes in the past and explain clearly what steps they have taken to repair the mistakes and make sure they never happen again. Regards, John P. DuLong, Ph.D. Acadian and French Canadian Genealogy 959 Oxford Road Berkley, MI 48072-2011 USA (248) 541-2894 dulongj@habitant.org