5 trustees for Hoag Library to be elected today

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 May 2022 at 8:13 am

These candidates will be on the ballot today in an election for trustees at Hoag Library in Albion.

ALBION – There are five candidates for five trustee positions in an election today at Hoag Library. Voting is from noon to 7 p.m. at the library.

Voters must be at least 18 and live in the library’s service area (towns of Barre, Albion, Gaines and Carlton).

The positions up for election include a spot recently vacated with the resignation of Anitrice Bennett. The other four positions are currently filled by Linda Weller, Jim Babcock, Kevin Doherty and Debbie DiBacco.

The top three vote-getters get four-year terms, and next two get three-year terms.

The library’s annual meeting will be at 7 p.m. today.

The candidates include:

Mary Covell – She has worked 16 years as an accountant and her family frequently uses the library.

“I want to see the Hoag Library continue to thrive in community outreach, educational opportunities for all ages, and really become a central focus point for the Village and Town,” she said in her candidate biography. “The Library has so much to offer and genuinely can help anyone grow and further their potential. I would love to have the chance to help build up, spread the word and encourage everyone to want to come in and utilize all the resources it has.”

Kevin Doherty – He is a long-time member of the board and was president during the building of the new library in 2012 and for several years after that. Doherty has been a technology business contractor since the 1980s.

“This facility is a great example of that which can be accomplished when personal agenda are laid aside for the community benefit,” he said in his candidate bio. “I can honestly say that I was not a user of the old Swan Library; it was not a welcoming environment. Our family has, however, embraced the programming, collections and general upbeat attitude of the new Hoag building and staff.”

• Rachel Hicks – An employee of Albion Agencies Insurance for the last 8 years, who works in agency management and accounting, in addition to insurance sales. She brings her family to many of the library events, including the summer reading program.

“I feel the library provides services and opportunities a lot of local community members haven’t even realized yet,” she said. “The weekly programs for different learning opportunities, provides a wealth of learning opportunity from ages of young to old.”

• Linda Weller – The current board president also is a member of the Albion Board of Education. She is owner of Info Advantage Inc. in Rochester.

“I would like the opportunity to serve as a member of the Library Board, and will continue to serve the community to the best of my abilities,” she said.

• James Babcock – The owner of a construction business, Babcock has volunteered with the summer reading program and other local agencies.

“My interest in serving on the board is to share my knowledge and experience with the trustees,” Babcock said. “My work experience and community involvement I believe will make me an asset to the board.”

Click here to see the candidate bios.