John Spella, 4 years: 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: AlgonquinWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Algonquin Village board, 4-year termAge: 50Family: Single, no childrenOccupation: Regional Sales Manager: Beauty Systems Group/Victory Beauty SystemsEducation: Bachelor of Science, Western Illinois University 1982H.D.Jacobs High School 1978Civic involvement: Village Trustee 2 termsElected offices held: Algonquin Village Trustee 2 termsHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 My Number one campaign issue is to maintain our strong infrastructure with improved roads, water and a balanced budget.Key Issue 2 Keep our taxes where they are. The last time there was a tax increase I was the candidate of the three incumbents that chose to raise incrementally if necessary, while the others wanted to move to the maximum with one vote.Key Issue 3 Controlled growth, evaluate if some new business is redundant to what we currently have, if so what is their point of difference that will help our community.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?My experience, two terms as a Village Trustee and passion for the community that I grew up in. My background and experience in management and the team skills I bring to the board is a asset to the community because I look for what is best for the community as a whole not just my personal opinion and pet projects.Given the delicate balance between the need for revenue and over-taxing local businesses, what is your opinion of your community's present level of local sales taxes? Is the tax just right, too low or too high? Explain.I believe our taxes are just right for now. Algonquin is still an affordable community to live,work,and own a business. You dont have to travel too far to experience higher taxes with the same businesses.Talking with your friends and neighbors, what seems to be their biggest public safety concern? Explain the concern as you see it, and discuss how you think it should be addressed.I think the largest public safety concern is traffic. Although the highways are overcrowded this is a county and state issue that our Village can have little to do with but watch... The other public safety issue is the large vacant building on Rt 31 and 62. This building invites trouble and needs to be demolished.In these tight economic times, municipal budgets have to be prioritized. Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?Our budget is tight and our Village Management is the best.The Village of Algonquin wins awards annually for its outstanding budgets, most people in this village do not know that and it should be written about more often.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I would like to find a better way to cross Randall Road to get to the Algonquin Commons. Possibly a bridge like St Charles has on Randall and Silver Glen roads. Take the ride and I think you will agree that it is not ugly and will definitely keep those who walk and bike much safer.