Patch Candidate Profile: Diane Parker For Easton Library Board of Trustees

EASTON, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.

Candidate's Name:
Diane Parker

What office are you seeking?
Library Board of Trustees

What town do you live in?
Easton

Party Affiliation:
Unaffiliated

Occupation:
Retired Registered Nurse

Family:
Husband Jeff Parker (Easton Board of Education member since 2011) Chairman from 2013-2020

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I am a current member of the Library Board of Trustees, member of the Library Building Committee, and Trustees liaison to the Friends of the Library.

Why are you seeking this office?
I am seeking reelection to the Library Board of Trustees because of my belief that a town library serves the needs of both the schools and the townspeople and its importance to our community cannot be taken for granted.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The proper use of the grant money received from the state as well as the money given by a local donor to expand the library to better meet the needs of our children.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I have worked on the board of trustees for over 2 years and am well acquainted with the challenges we face and am ready to do the heavy work of making sure our money is not only well spent but meets the needs of both our children and community. My opponents have no experience in these issues, and it would be a significant step back to bring on "newbies" at this stage.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
The importance of keeping the Library Board of Trustees above the political theater that has now engulfed our country and to a lesser extent, our town. Let's keep the library from becoming a part of the political landscape. Be kid focused and community friendly.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Two years of hard work and dedication to the Board of Trustees and the Friend of the Library. Raising money through old book sales and keeping our focus on what is best for our community and are children. Our library is another jewel in Fairfield County, and it needs to remain that way.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
My parish priest in North Carolina said in a homily... eat sand, be humble, be courageous, be afraid but never stop doing the next right thing.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
My love and dedication to our Library speaks for itself. As an emergency nurse for 30 years, and then a heart catheterization nurse at Duke University Hospital, I understand the importance of making smart decision to support my patient's health. I take that same care and concern in my work at the library. Whether it is learning how to run a Used Book Sale or the intricacies of a $2,000,000 building project; I am "all in" to make our Library the best it can be.