John Scaletta: Candidate Profile

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:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: Arlington HeightsWebsite: http://electjohnscaletta.comOffice sought: Arlington Heights Village boardAge: 41Family: Married with 2 children Wife, Toni Sons, Tripp (13) and Gianni (17 months)Occupation: Vice President - Management/Consulting ServicesEducation: I attended Northeatern Illinois UniversityCivic involvement: Member - Our Lady of the Wayside ChurchAdvisory Board Memeber - BUZZ, A Philanthropic Organization of Dedicated ProfessionalsMember - VAH Building Code Review BoardMember - National Association of Theater Owners Advisory BoardFormer Memeber - Arlington heights Chamber of Commerce Board of Director Former President - Downtown Business AssociationFormer Member - Arlington Heights Noon RotaryFormer Member - Arlington Economic AllianceFormer Member - Village Manager's Marketing Advisory TeamFormer Fundraising Chairman - Metropolis Olympics and Mardi Gras EventsElected offices held: Village Trustee 2007-currentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Fiscal ResponsibiltyKey Issue 2 Retention of BusinessKey Issue 3 Economic DevelopmentQuestions Answers Explain your point of view, or your vote, on the Boeger Place apartments proposal. Was the village board correct in rejecting the proposal as presented? What should happen now?I voted no pertaining to the petitioner's request to approve variances for development of Boeger Place Apartments. It was the correct decision as to the proposal as presented due to the excessive number of variances requested by the petitioner.Should Arlington Hts. keep twice-a-week garbage pick-up forever? How do you feel about once-a-week versus twice-a-week, and the usefulness of rolling carts?Arlington Heights should not necessarily keep twice-a-week pickup forever. The once-a-week vs. twice-a-week element of the program should continue to be monitored and analyzed from a cost benefit perspective to ensure optimal value for our residents. I believe that the rolling carts will be beneficial to all residents who wish to use them and could assist in a future transition to a once-a-week pickup.Given the economic difficulties, what village services must be kept and what could still be cut? Are there things you would be willing to forego temporarily until the economy rebounds?All life/safety programs should be kept and maintained as they are the primary responsibilities of local government. Our competent village staff continues to analyze the programs provided by village government and recommend potential cuts in light of the financial resources available for funding. I fully expect the Village Board to continue to review and, in some cases, challenge staff analysis of all programs within the Village to ensure usefulness, viability, and cost effectiveness.Is downtown Arlington Heights a success? Explain your answer.Downtown Arlington Heights is truly a success. When you compare downtown Arlington Heights in 1998 to today, there is a stunning difference. There is energy and vitality in downtown Arlington Heights which calls residents and non-residents alike to experience Arlington Heights and all that we have to offer. The expanded activity downtown has greatly enhanced sales receipts and, in turn, revenues for our village government. From shopping to dining to entertainment, we are the envy of all other downtowns in the northwest Suburbs. Aside from the amenities of downtown, the number of residents has increased by 600-800 residents which results in increased consumer expenditures locally and a larger tax base as well.Other than downtown, what is the one area of town that needs the most attention from the village board in terms of economic development?I do not think that we can afford to focus on one area of the Village over another. The southern gateway to our Village as well as the Rand/North corridor should be closely monitored and analyzed for continued economic development and redevelopment opportunities. Our village board must continue to look at all areas within Arlington Heights for economic development. Changes within neighboring communities, e.g. the redevelopment of the Randhurst Shopping Center in Mount Prospect, necessitates we pay attention to potential changes in shopping opportunities nearby as well as consumer shopping behavior. We need to continue to evaluate and analyze the impact of potential changes to businesses throughout the Village from the current economic environment as well as competition outside of the village.