Library Trustees Race: Ronald Auger, Scott Vecchiolla and John Byrnes

Editor's Note: One of the two contested races on the town election ballot is for the Board of Library Trustees. Three people are running for two seats. The ballot includes incumbent John P. Byrnes and newcomers Ronald G. Auger and Scott A. Vecchiolla. Auger and Vecchiolla submitted the following responses to a short questionnaire about their interest in the seat. Milford Patch could not reach Byrnes.

Ron Auger

Q: Why are you seeking this position?

A: I have been giving back to my community for many years, previously as a firefighter and educator of fire and life safety. Teaching in the schools as the fire safety education coordinator was a big part of my job until my retirement in 2002. I continue to help when I can though my entertainment business as I've done for over 27 years. The library is a wonderful place to continue my community service because it is a place that the whole community can use. The youth center is just for kids and the senior center is just for seniors, but the library is a place that all generations can come together. The library offers something for everyone in the community, like DVDs , music, books, video games, books on CDs, educational classes, book groups, summer reading, story time, and all kinds of programming for everyone. This will give me a chance to lend my assistances that will reach out to all residence of Milford.

Q: What is your age and profession?

A:  I am 52 years old. I am a business owner operating an entertainment/DJ business. I also teach part time for UMass Medical School in Worcester teaching CPR for medical professionals.

Q: What is the most important issue facing the library and how do you plan to address it?

A: I think it is changing technology and being able to keep up with it and offer the most updated technology to our community. My own career has evolved so much in recent years due to technology changes. I see the need for our town to keep up with the ever evolving tech world. And not just to provide it but to assist with educating people with the use of it. I'm sure there are many issues that all have their level of need and importances. For instance working with the community, making sure the library continues to have a working relationship with all community members, like schools, youth center, senior center the underprivileged and disabled. We want to make sure that all those visiting and using the Milford Library have equal access. As well as working together as a team with the Trustees, Director, employees and community. To comment on the one issue that is the most important would be a difficult one to answer until I've had the opportunity to learn more from those mentioned.

Q: Have you ever held public office before? If so, what was the position and the years served.

A: I've never held public office but was a town meeting member for many years.

Scott Vecchiolla

Q: Why are you seeking this position?

A: It is important to provide internet access to people of all levels in Milford. Many people do not have access to job applications and other information.

Q: What is your age and profession?

A: I just turned 40. I am a dairy clerk at Stop & Shop [Supermarket]

Q: What is the most important issue facing the library and how do you plan to address it?

A: Parking. There is not enough of it. We should work with the churches.

Q: Have you ever held public office before? If so, what was the position and the years served.

A: Town meeting Precinct 1, Trustee of Vernon Grove Cemetery, three years, now running for re-election, Milford Pond Committee and Constable.