from the candidate
Raymond “Ray” Czwakiel announces his candidacy for election to the Milton Public Library’s board of trustees. Czwakiel graduated with a juris doctorate degree (cum laude) from Boston University School of Law, a master’s degree in business administration from Gonzaga University, a Jesuit school in Spokane, Washington, and a bachelor of science degree in industrial and systems engineering from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. He served in the United States Air Force for five years, achieving the rank of Captain and commanding a management engineering detachment prior to departing military service to attend law school. He currently provides legal counsel to a number of small businesses, having previously represented clients and delivered legal services in conjunction with his work for Sullivan & Worcester, LLP, Lucash, Gesmer & Updegrove, LLP and the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Energy.
“Our new main library building and the wide variety of programs held therein are a clear example of what a hardworking and dedicated team can accomplish,” explained Czwakiel. “As a frequent patron of numerous libraries throughout my lifetime, I truly appreciate how a well-designed and well-run library positively impacts the community. My heartfelt thanks go out to the current library board, the Library Foundation, the Friends of Milton Library and every other committee, group and individual that plays a part in making our library a true town jewel.”
When asked why he decided to run for this position, Czwakiel pondered for a moment and stated “I firmly believe that I owe it to Milton to use my skills to better the community. I love mathematics, science and working on behalf of children, so for the past six years I have served as a Co-President of our Pierce Middle School PTO, organized and coordinated weekly parent efforts to conduct 4th and 5th grade math leagues at Glover Elementary School, and assisted with annual elementary school Math & Science Night activities. Recognizing the need for qualified religious education instructors, I teach the 5th and 6th grade children of St. Gregory’s parish on a weekly basis. I also periodically instruct fellow teachers and volunteers in “teach the teacher” programs and actively participate as a lector and as a member of our parish pastoral council. My wife Leslie, our daughters Solana and Miranda, and I patronize the library and various library activities on a weekly, if not daily, basis. While helping to clean-up after a Friends-sponsored activity, a current member of the Library Board of Trustees suggested that I consider serving Milton as a library trustee. I was excited to learn more about this opportunity and since library board meetings are open to the public, I began attending and learning first hand what my role would involve. Having observed the outstanding teamwork of our current board, I am convinced that my analytical, legal and organizational skills will prove valuable from the outset.”
“With a new facility in place, our next challenge is to evaluate library programs in light of severely tightening budgets and ensure that we squeeze every ounce of value out of this critical community resource,” stated Czwakiel. “In so many ways, our town library serves as Milton’s “town center” — my primary goal in working as a member of our trustee team will be to make Milton’s library facilities and systems welcoming to every member of our community, a resource each resident of our town will truly appreciate. I look forward to working on library matters on your behalf and I hope that you will allow me to serve you and the rest of our town by casting one of your votes for me, Ray Czwakiel, on Town Election Day, Tuesday, April 26, 2011.”