John Spella: Candidate profile
Bio
Name: John Spella
City: Algonquin, IL
Office sought: Algonquin Village Trustee
Age: 58
Family: Married
Occupation: Self-employed Business Owner
Education: Bachelor of Science, Western Illinois University
Civic involvement: Member of Algonquin-LITH Chamber of Commerce; Committee Chair of Chamber Annual Charity Golf Outing
Previous elected offices held: Algonquin Village Trustee
Incumbent? If yes, when were you first elected? Yes, 2003-present
Website: www.JOHNSPELLA.com
Facebook: facebook.com/jsalgonquinvillagetrustee
Twitter: N/A
Issue questions
What are the most important issues facing your community and how do you intend to address them?
An important issue facing Algonquin today is our infrastructure. We have shovel ready plans for the improvement of our roads and streets. We are currently revitalizing our Downtown area and expanding the Randall Road Corridor.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
I have been a Village Trustee for 15+ years. This experience has allowed me to work with a variety of department heads and personnel to explore and explain projects for our community.
Algonquin has always been my home. Having lived on the East and West sides of Algonquin, I have personally seen the growth of our Village from being a small town to our current population of 35,000.
Describe your leadership style and explain how you think that will be effective in producing actions and decisions with your village board or city council.
I believe in representing my entire community. Being a good listener allows me to understand the needs and concerns of all Algonquin residents. Being well informed on projects and activities allows me to make the important decisions necessary to benefit the entire Village.
How would you describe the condition of your community's budget, and what are the most important specific actions the town should take to assure providing the level of services people want?
The condition of our budget is outstanding. Algonquin has had a balanced budget for the 15 years I have been on the Board. We presently have a AAA credit rating.
What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
I would like see improvement in the way our Village Board and Algonquin residents communicate. It is important for residents to understand proposed projects and communicate their needs with board members. Greater attendance at the Committee of the Whole and the Board meetings would allow residents to be more involved in the process of decision making.