Responses from John Piazza

Copy and pasted responses from John Piazza. I did go back and highlight the responses in red. Hopefully I did not miss any.

1. What is the extent of your education? I have a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois in Champaign.

2. How long have you lived in Columbia? We moved to Columbia almost eleven years ago. If not a lifelong Columbia resident where did you grow up and where did you live right before you moved to Columbia? I grew up in Cahokia, IL. With my job I have lived in many communities but most recently in a small town, Plainville, IL, just outside Quincy, IL.

3. Do you feel that the length of time you or your family has lived in Columbia makes you a better candidate than someone else? I don't think it has a particular bearing. Perhaps, since most of the council has a significantly longer tenure my perspective might be a bit different and thus add to the diversity of opinion. Why is this continually an election talking point? Probably because it is a point that differentiates the candidates. Unfortunately, it splits the town in an unhealthy way. Many residents of Columbia, my family included, do not have deep rooted family trees in Columbia, is their opinion worth less to you when compared to others who have lived here for generations? Certainly not. And while I might be better prepared to represent your family's position, I feel that most residents desire the same things from our community.

4. What is your occupation?I have worked as an engineer for over 24 years. My current position is as a business manager having several engineers and technicians reporting to me. How will it affect your serving on the city council? I believe that it has prepared me to objectively consider very complex issues to determine the best solution available for a particular opportunity. I have both a technical and commercial background that will allow me to contribute to finding solutions that help the city move forward in a responsible manner. Much of my energy is spent first understanding an issue, then evaluating the possible solutions, and then making (and taking responsibility for) decisions that can have a significant impact on my employers success.

5. Does your occupation make you a good candidate to serve as chairmen of any present city council committees? I am certainly interested in serving and think that there are some committees that could more effectively use my skills but will serve as requested.

6. How have you gathered your information regarding issues facing the city? I have gathered most of my information primarily by speaking with the citizens of my ward. In addition, I have also taken the time to attend some of the council meetings, to read the council meeting minutes for the past several years,to speak with current aldermen, the mayor, various department heads, and those citizens (and groups) that have offered their opinions.

7. How many city council meetings have you attended in the last year? Two years? I have attended only a few meetings but have read the minutes from the past four years.

8. If you support commercial growth in Columbia what specifically will you do to make that a reality? I believe that commercial growth is good for Columbia. New businesses typically creates jobs, produces sales tax revenues, and increases the value of the property - all generating revenue for our city. I will begin by meeting with existing businesses to better understand why they chose Columbia and what they think other businesses are looking for as they choose their location. My experience has taught me that the best way to win is to understand the rules. What types of commercial entities do you feel Columbia needs the most? I believe that we need to encourage both commercial and light industrial growth. Those businesses that either allow us, as residents, to spend more of our dollars in our community or encourage non-residents to spend their dollars in our community.

9. Does commercial growth belong in the bottoms in light of the current issue facing the certification of the levy? If the levy issue is resolved do the bottoms become a good place for development? Why or why not? If elected, I will expend significant energies to better understand this opportunity. In short, I believe that the bottoms are a natural area for our community to utilize for commercial growth without adversely affecting our small town atmosphere. It also has the unique benefit of being likely to draw dollars not only from other communities but also from across the state line. A very positive benefit that must be fully explored before making any quick decisions.

10. Alderman Stumpf has proposed the idea of having an economic development committee in order to field questions, comments, and ideas regarding any economic development opportunities that may present themselves to the city a number of times over the last year. Would you support this idea? Why or why not? I have not fully reviewed the concept of creating another committee, but it seems that we already have a Director (and assistant) for Community and Economic Development. While I intend to become very familiar with their goals and methods, and I would like to think that I can have a positive impact on this department, I do not think that I, as an alderman, need to control this function. I believe that this is such an important issue to our City that we need to have professionals whose only focus is the development of our community. I believe that the council should set the tone/policy and then we should rely upon those dedicated to this purpose.

11. What types of incentives if any do you support to attract development to Columbia? Get specific, developers will know what they want. Each opportunity brings with it unique opportunities - both in terms of possible revenue to the city and requirements from the city in support of the business. The issue is too complex to offer a single solution that fits all sizes. I have spent many years negotiating very large contracts and the first rule you learn is to know the value of what you give and only give when you receive in exchange. I do not believe that we as a city must give away a litany of prizes to attract businesses. We just have to help them to offset the risks that they take when they start a new business. I will do my best to utilize my education and experiences to serve the city in this matter.

12. Do you support the annual 4.99% increase in Columbia’s tax levy? Is this an “ethical” practice to the community and its residents? Since I have not had the opportunity to fully evaluate this question, I will not offer an opinion at this time.

13. Should the city vehicle sticker tax be re-instated? Why or why not? It seems unfortunate that the city lost this source of revenue especially when we are currently struggling financially. I would avoid re-instating the tax.

14. Should city departments be allowed to carry their budgeted balances over yearly, rather than the end of year balance rolling back to the general fund? Why or why not? This seems a mute point as the city is not operating in a surplus. But as this seems to be a major issue in the fire departments bid to join the rural fire district, I think it is worth investigating. Once we understand the benefits and the ramifications, I believe that we can find a good solution.

15. Do you support the fire department merging with the rural fire district? How will the merger improve the department for city and rural residents? Does it benefit the city? Since it has been decided by the current council to put this to the voters, I believe it is best to allow the entire city to decide.

16. Will you vote for aldermen to receive a pay increase again in the next election cycle in light of the budget issues we face as a city? I haven't given it a lot of thought - I am certain that none of the current or those seeking the position are doing it for the stipend.

17. Are there any pressing issues facing Columbia in regards to infrastructure you feel should be immediately addressed, other than the road by McDonald's leading past Firestone on the way to the Post Office? Since I have not had the opportunity to fully evaluate this question, I will not offer an opinion at this time.

18. Do you feel my questions are biased towards any one line of thinking or candidate in particular? Not at all.

For Challenging Candidates

1. What compels you to run for city office? I feel that in order to keep our quality of life, both at a high level and affordable, requires a professional approach to managing the city. My education and experience have prepared me to contribute to the city. Do you have higher ambitions in politics? No

2. Have you met with other candidates or community groups to discuss issues and the upcoming election? Yes If so which ones? I have met with the three other challenging candidates and I participated in the forum hosted by the Progress for Columbia group.

3. Were you brought up to speed regarding city issues by any certain people? Answered in question 6 above.

4. Are you a “member” of Progress for Columbia? No Did PFC or any of its members assist you in your candidacy in any way? While I am not certain of their membership, I have garnered their support as a result of my desire to help Columbia prosper.

5. Have you ever met with or discussed issues facing the city with your aldermen? Yes with Mary Ellen Niemietz. Specifically the one you may be running against? No If not, why? I am not sure it would be a profitable use of time. If yes, did you find that conversation satisfactory?