Scott Salvati: Candidate Profile

Back to Batavia City Council Ward 1

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: BataviaWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: @scottynoFacebook: /scottsalvatiOffice sought: Batavia City Council Ward 1 Age: 47Family: Wife - KimSon - ZackSon - NickOccupation: Own a Marketing Services AgencyEducation: University of Iowa - BBA FinanceCivic involvement: CurrentCity of Batavia - Alderman, Ward 1First Baptist Church of Geneva - Executive Council - SecretaryPastVarsity Lacrosse Coach - Batavia HSBoard of Directors- Batavia Chamber of CommerceElected offices held: Alderman - Ward 1Questions Answers What should the city's financial role be in development, if any? In particular, are the incentives the city provided for projects such as the proposed One North Washington Place, and the Walgreen development, and possibly a deal for the Blue Goose Supermarket: Too much, too little or just right? Is it justified for the city to borrow money or pledge property taxes to fund such incentives, until increased taxes come in from TIF districts?I think there is a financial role for the city to play in economic development, but it should be one that is carefully considered. I am a small government proponent, but there are times that you need to use the tools available to incentivize development. One North Washington is a great example - if you look at what the city currently makes in tax revenue from that area, it's minimal. But by creating a TIF district, we are working on a project that will increase the tax revenue by close to 1000% in that area. This is not an investment in a developer - it's investing in the community. So long as you have a plan that makes sound financial sense and have contingencies in place to hedge that investment, it's solid practice that stewards the investment our citizens are making in our community. I would rather actively invest in our community than just sit by and let things grow cobwebs.Should the city do something to increase the amount of affordable housing in Geneva, as the Chicago Metropolitan Agency on Planning study calls for? If so, what?Assuming you mean Batavia, there is no question that we have our eye on what the CMAP plan has concluded, and have already taken that into consideration with recent development proposals. The market also plays a role here and the two need to work in concert together.Is 40 years too long in office? Why or why not?No and Yes. I am a proponent of term limits for elected officials, but an extended stay in office can swing both ways. In the case of Batavia, Mayor Schielke has been a huge force in the growth of our town, and is a leader on the Council of Mayors that helped shape the CMAP study previously mentioned. His influence on our community has been steady and you will find no one else in this town that is as passionate about the people of Batavia, it's history - and it's future - than him. He does not do it for power or fame, he does it for the love of this town. If power is the fuel for one's position, then you need look no further than Springfield for an example of why longevity is a bad thing.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?Really good question. I think that our budget is pretty balanced. Peggy Colby, the city's Finance Director, does an AMAZING job - can't speak more highly of what she does. Probably the one area that is most glaring is our energy costs, but at this point that is an area that we have no relief - at this point. We are constantly looking at ways to try and mitigate those costs. Things change from year to year, and we have to adjust accordingly - whether it's a new wastewater treatment facility to storm water issues. There are lots of balls in the air that the city staff and we as a council have to juggle.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I don't necessarily have anything revolutionary, but I think we need to get back to what makes Batavia so great - the people in town. Batavia is not defined by new developments, bridges, buildings or CMAP studies. It's the people. It's why my wife and I chose this community to live and raise our boys. Within the last year or two I have seen a real degradation in how people interact on issues that are important to them. You are allowed (ENCOURAGED!) to be passionate about a topic - that's a great thing - because things only get done when someone champions the cause. BUT - we need to articulate those passions in way that facilitates discussion. I've seen way too many personal attacks on character. Social media is great - but it can also be very harmful. So - my "good idea" for the community is for people to get involved. If you feel strongly about one thing or another - don't let it fester - talk to your alderman, attend a COW or Council meeting, get on a committee or run for office! This community is about the people. Buildings crumble and things change, but the character of this town shouldn't. Community is about relationships and relationships require work. So let's get some work done.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?A tunnel from Kirk to Randall Rd. Just kidding. I do think that we have to work on the traffic flow between both of those north/south roadways. Maybe that's a second bridge, maybe it's another way, but we need to cast some vision for what that looks like. Economic development is also a big deal for me. We need to constantly be on the lookout for businesses looking to land in the western suburbs - and to be active in pushing Batavia as a great option. If we can get the RIGHT businesses here, particularly higher energy users, it would help defray the overhead that we have in terms of fixed energy commitments, and lessen the impact on our residents.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Dabo Swinney, Head Football Coach, Clemson University. Coaches and lives his life through the lens of his faith.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Empathy and Compassion - my parents are great role models of that and how they help others.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would not have picked up that heavy box when I was 27 with just my arms. My back would thank me.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Business Law - taught by St. Charles Mayor Ray Rogina! How to think/act under pressure.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Lead Courageously, Accept Responsibility, Reject Passivity, Expect the Greater Reward.