The Wednesday Journal sent questionnaires to each person running for public office in 2025. The Journal’s questions are in bold and the candidate’s responses are below.
Political experience
I was student council president in elementary school. I did a fine job. In high school, I decided to run again for student council president. My teacher encouraged me to run for vice president instead since the president should be a boy (this was in Japan, in the 80’s). I disagreed with her and ran for president. I lost, even though, to this day, I am convinced that I was the better candidate. Kamala Harris and I have that in common. Since then, my political experience has been in supporting other candidates until this election.
Community experience
When Oak Park welcomed 160 migrant neighbors on October 31, 2023, I was actively involved from the beginning. I am proud of Oak Park for being the only municipality to step up and help. I feel lucky to have been such a big part of that.
What are the greatest challenges facing the Oak Park Public Library?
The global challenge is the current political climate that is hostile to freedom of reading and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
In the face of national attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion policies, how will you protect and enforce DEI at the library?
A well-trained board, staff, and community is a great line of defense. As with any crisis, we will be best equipped to mitigate harm if we are well prepared.
When a new executive director is hired, how will you help ensure a smooth transition and strong leadership?
According to the June 27th update from the board, Koya Partners, the professional search firm retained to recruit the new executive director, “will support on-boarding to ensure a smooth transition.” As a new board member I will follow their lead to make sure the executive director, staff, and community are aligned.
What is your take on the library as a third space, or place outside home and work that allows locals to connect with their community?
On an extremely cold day in December, my 8th-grade daughter went to hang out in downtown Oak Park with her friend. Her friend texted us to let us know that my daughter had forgotten her phone. Once it got dark, we texted the friend to see where they were…only to find out that she and my daughter had parted ways at some point. Now my daughter had no way to reach us and we did not know where she was. As I panicked, her friend said, “She’s probably at the library.” As soon as she said this, I knew this was true; the library was my daughter’s safe place. I want everybody to always feel this way about the Oak Park Public Library.
What should the policy be on banning books at the OPPL?
OPPL has a strong policy that protects against the removal of books for personal, political, or religious reasons. I strongly support this policy and will work to uphold it and strengthen it if necessary.
Please add final thoughts not covered in this questionnaire. These responses may appear online.
When powerful people want to undo democracy, they will come after the libraries because libraries are the cornerstones of democracy. A time like this calls for brave leadership. A Library for All, For Always Campaign candidates are ready to lead with the necessary courage and foresight. Please vote for Annie Wilkinson, Colin Bird-Martinez, and myself–Mika Yamamoto.