Jones trustee McKee to step down; candidates begin lining up for race
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After helping the Jones Library secure a new director and working to protect the library's endowment, Sarah McKee, the trustees president, said this week she will not seek reelection .
McKee, who was involved in a controversial review of the former longtime director, said she believes her service has helped to strengthen the public library system. "I have been just one of many," McKee said.
After winning a seat in 2009, McKee was part of a three-member committee, that also included trustee Carol Gray and former president Patricia Holland, that undertook a lengthy evaluation of then-director Bonnie Isman, which drew criticism from some who believed it was an attempt to force the popular librarian out.
Isman retired in December 2010 and was succeeded in October by Sharon Sharry, with Tevis Kimball serving as acting director in the intervening period.
So far, two incumbents and one newcomer have taken out papers to vie for the two three-year seats on the April 3 ballot, which includes McKee's post. These are current trustees Gray of 815 South East St. and Austin Sarat of 76 Snell St., and newcomer Tamson Ely of 26 Middle St.
Carl Erickson of 26 Greenleaves Drive is running for a one-year seat. That position is held by Sarat, appointed last spring following the resignation of Kathleen Wang.
Nomination forms must be picked up and returned to the town clerk's office by Feb. 14 at 5 p.m.
McKee said she has been inspired by the vision of Samuel Minot Jones and the original trustees of the Jones Library during her tenure.
"They wanted no stately temple but a living room, in the heart of Amherst, welcoming all to read, to learn, to change their lives," McKee said. "Their generosity, and that of countless others, left us this remarkable gift."
Contending so far
In discussing her candidacy, Gray said it is an exciting time for the library, which has two branches, with enthusiasm among staff and Sharry's talent and energy. She has served on subcommittees including the Policy, Personnel and Planning Committee, the Budget Committee, the Joint Capital Planning Committee and the Buildings and Facilities Committee.
"I would like to keep working on many of the projects that are under way in these committees and with the board in general," Gray said.
Sarat, a professor of jurisprudence and political science at Amherst College, was appointed to the one-year term as trustee last spring following Wang's resignation.
"I loved the library going in, and I love it more seeing it from the inside," Sarat said.
He said he is committed to the idea that the library should be central to Amherst's cultural life.
Sarat added that he is eager to push ahead on challenges such as incorporating technological developments but still putting people first, improving the facility and partnering with community organizations.
Ely has extensive experience in academic libraries, beginning at MIT and Harvard, and then Springfield Technical Community College, where she became director. In that role, she said, she often met with librarians from Jones so she understands some of the library's issues.
"I am now retired and have the time and energy to devote to the board and to working on behalf of the Jones Library," Ely said. "It would also keep me in touch with what is happening in libraries and to work with wonderful librarians, something I now miss being retired."
Ely also participated in the public process of selection of the new director, attending presentations and offering feedback.
Since 1980 Erickson has been involved in financial and administrative management in nonprofit organizations and has served as a volunteer shelver at Jones since fall 2009.
