Nicholas (Nick) J. Cuzzone: 2021 candidate for Villa Park village president
In the race for Villa Park Village President, two Trustees Nicholas (Nick) J. Cuzzone and Robert "Bob" J. Wagner are vying for the top spot in the April 6 election.
In-person early voting with paper ballots is now available at DuPage County Fairgrounds Building 5, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. In-person early voting with touch-screen voting begins March 22 at locations throughout the county. Learn more at www.dupageco.org/earlyvoting/.
Bio
City: Villa Park
Age: 64
Occupation: Environmental Consultant, Environmental Engineering at EPS Environmental Services, Inc.
Civic involvement: Current Villa Park Trustee for six years; Vice president of the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot Foundation; former president of Willowbrook High School Athletic Booster Club (5 years); served as fundraising chairman for the Step It Up school referendum for District 88; coached Villa Park youth baseball, basketball and soccer; volunteer with TriTown YMCA food distribution; Knights of Columbus; St. Alexander parishioner
Q&A
Q. How do you view your role in confronting the pandemic: provide leadership even if unpopular, give a voice to constituents - even ones with whom you disagree, or defer to state and federal authorities?
A. As president I would have to provide leadership no matter if it is popular or not. We have to listen to our constituents but in the end we have to do what is best for the entire Village. In the case of the pandemic we have been trying to keep our businesses open but at the same time follow CDC guidelines. In cases where a business is not following the recommendations our hands are tied due to insurance mandates and lack of direction regarding legal remedies to make businesses comply. I agree with our current method, staff will issue a notice to the business owner and if they don't follow the rules it is turned over to the County Health Department. However most businesses in Villa Park have been doing the right thing and keeping in line with County and CDC guidelines.
Q. Did your town continue to adequately serve its constituents during the disruptions caused by the pandemic? If so, please cite an example of how it successfully adjusted to providing services. If not, please cite a specific example of what could have been done better.
A. Our Village Manager and staff did an excellent job in 2020 adjusting to the loss of revenue as well as coping with the pandemic. All staff who were essential and worked in the office were compliant with mask wearing, social distancing and hand washing. Also, to react to the budget crunch, all hiring was frozen, part time summer help was not utilized, and staff worked harder to do more with less. Large capital projects were also delayed one year due to lower than expected revenues.
Q. In light of our experiences with COVID-19, what safeguards/guidelines should you put in place to address any future public health crises?
A. I feel the guidelines that have been in place since the pandemic started have been effective in minimizing the adverse effects of the virus. These guidelines should work well in any future outbreaks.
Q. What cuts can local government make to reduce the burden of the pandemic on taxpayers?
A. Right now the Village has not replaced any staff that has left due to retirement, relocation, or resignation with the exception of the Police Chief. This will continue for now until revenues begin to come back. Other cuts have included delayed maintenance and delaying capital projects (street repair and sewer replacement) until new funds are available.
Q. What do you see as the most important infrastructure project you must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what infrastructure project can be put on the back burner?
A. Our most important infrastructure project right now is the separation of our storm and sanitary sewers to prevent flooding. This is actually several projects as it involves tearing up streets, disconnecting the sewers, and installing storm sewers. The Village has done a good job in getting grants and low interest IEPA loans to fund these projects and keep the cost to tax payers as low as possible.
I think the recreation center and new swimming pool has to be on a back burner right now. This has been pushed into the future any way but we might have to look at tabling it for now until the pandemic is over.
Q. Do you plan to address businesses that don't adhere to the governor's order to close or restrict business?
A. As stated above, I feel our current plan to address these businesses is working and we don't need to put any more pressure on our businesses at this time.
Q. Do you agree or disagree with the stance your board/council has taken on permitting recreational marijuana sales in the community? What would you change about that stance, if you could?
A. I agree with our stance our board has taken regarding recreational marijuana sales. Since it is now legal we are regulating it so there won't be a lot of shops in the Village but we will be able to garner tax revenue for the shops that do open. Also, the tax money has been targeted for specific causes, namely police pensions and the rec center. Based on public meetings that were held in the past the majority of the Village agrees with our policy.
Q. Describe your leadership style and explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board or city council.
A. I try to lead by example. I work hard and put in the time needed to complete whatever project I am working on. I also listen to people when they come to me with suggestions or complaints. I don't know everything and I feel getting many viewpoints on an issue isn't bad, it is actually beneficial when making decisions that affect the entire Village. I also feel I am a calming influence when tempers flare, which is sometimes needed when confronted with emotional issues. I think I have the ability to bring two sides together and am willing to work as hard as needed to get issues resolved.
Q. What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A. I have been a small-business owner for over 15 years and feel I have the background to deal with people and also to make good, smart decisions that affect a lot of people. I know what it takes to balance budgets and make the hard decisions when it comes to personnel and equipment. My business weathered the downturn in 2007-2008 and also 2020 without laying off employees. I am very personable and can hold conversations with people of all backgrounds as I have had to do in my business. I also have been involved with the Village as a youth coach, with Willowbrook High School Athletics and worked with the administration to pass the referendum which allowed them to refurbish the school and build a field house, I have been involved with the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot Foundation for over 35 years (we have raised over $4,000.000.00 to combat hunger), and have been a Village Trustee for six years so I have a good understanding of the Village finances.
Q. What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
A. I would like to see more involvement with our county, state and federal legislators to get Villa Park more grant money, especially for our infrastructure projects. I would also like to see more cooperation with neighboring towns especially in areas as cost sharing.