Recent controversies and book censorship efforts by some members of the current Cromaine District Library board has inspired a group of candidates to launch the Cromaine for Everyone nonpartisan slate.
The slate in a release said that it is committed to “lawful, transparent governance; protecting individual and parental reading choices; fiscal oversight; staff excellence; and quality materials and programming that serve the tastes and needs of all ages and residents.”
The four candidates are campaigning to secure the four seats up for election in an effort to “restore responsible collaborative leadership to the library board.”
There are two upcoming campaign events for the slate:
• Meet and Greet, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Spicer Orchards Harvest Festival, 10411 Clyde Road in Fenton.
• League of Women Voters Forum, which is set for 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14. It will be broadcast live, as well as available to stream on YouTube.
The Cromaine for Everyone slate includes:
Nancy Rosso, who currently sits on the Cromaine District Library Board. A Brighton Township resident, Rosso has been a patron of the Cromaine District Library for 46 years. The current board treasurer, Rosso is a retired licensed master social worker who is the former director of the Livingston County United Way and Livingston County Catholic Charities.
“Libraries have always been an important part of my life,” Rosso said.”Cromaine has been a constant source of learning, connection and community for my family and me. I am committed to professional governance, staff development and the responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
“I believe deeply in keeping the library board non-partisan, expanding awareness of Romaine’s many free services, and ensuring that every resident in the district feels welcome and included.”
Ethan Hawker is a lifetime Hartland resident who has spent more than 30 years in the Hartland Consolidated Schools District a high school math teacher, curriculum advisor, administrator, and golf coach. He was named Hartland’s Teacher of the Year in 2024, and Region 6 Golf Coach of the Year.
“Cromaine is one of Hartland’s greatest treasures,” Hawker said. “As an educator, I understand the power of lifelong learning. I want to support programs and resources that inspire curiosity, encourage literacy, and help residents of all ages continue to learn and grow.
“Hartland is at its best when organizations work together in partnerships, so I would like to strengthen that collaboration, ensure Cromaine is financially strong for the future, and support professional development opportunities for the wonderful staff. Hartland has given so much to my family and me over the years. Serving on the Cromaine Board would be another opportunity to give back to a community that I care deeply about.”
Griffin Wright of Howell, an automotive engineering leader, is the father of two young library patrons as well as a Lifetime Friend of Cromaine. He has also served on the Hartland Players board.
“My family has used Cromaine Library for years, and as a father of two, I have seen firsthand the impact a great library can have on children and families,” Wright said. ‘“As the parent of a child with disabilities, I have also developed a deep appreciation for the importance of accessibility and equitable access to community resources. Not every family experiences the world in the same way, and libraries play an important role in ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to learn, explore, and participate.
“If elected, I hope to bring a practical, family-focused perspective to the board, one grounded in community involvement, thoughtful leadership, and a commitment to keeping Cromaine welcoming and accessible for everyone.”
David MacGregor of Hartland is an author, former English professor at Wayne State University, and is resident playwright at The Purple Rose Theater.
“Cromaine Library is an absolutely wonderful institution and I am running for the board in the hope of making it even more useful and relevant for everyone in our community, from preschoolers to senior citizens,” MacGregor said. “Yes, it offers books, media, and wi-fi, but it also offers a tremendous variety of programs and other resources. If elected, I look forward to using my knowledge and experience to serve the library (and my personal heroes, librarians), in any and every way possible.”
