Park Ridge Sixth Ward Candidates Talk Top Priorities

We asked Park Ridge aldermanic candidates about their backgrounds, qualifications, plans if elected and more in election questionnaires.

Vincent LaVecchia and Marc Mazzuca are running for Fourth Ward Alderman of Park Ridge.

The aldermanic candidates answered the question, what would your priorities be if elected to this office?, with the responses below. Check out the complete questionnaire for each candidate by clicking on his or her name.

Vincent LaVecchia:

• My primary goal is to get revenue-producing businesses to fill the numerous “for rent” signs throughout the city. Property tax payers cannot alone bear the weight of the cost of the city services they deserve. 
• I will make sure we are business friendly. I will request city staff to document the progress being made to get businesses to invest in our city. I will then contact the businesses so they can share their experiences with elected officials. I will then propose appropriate improvements to the City Council.
• We should invest in infrastructure, such as appropriate flood relief. As someone who has had our sewer backup three times, I understand the huge cost to taxpayers when infrastructure fails. I know how it feels to have to invest in a $10,000 flood control system in order to protect our home. 
• I also believe in the value of our trees. Our current city council removed 65 percent of the amount budgeted for tree replacement. Our city forester has said that Park Ridge will look like a parking lot in the future if we stay on this path. Trees are a part of the character of this city and provide many environmental benefits as well.
• I will ask that all votes and vetoes be documented on the Park Ridge website. This is a simple way to remain accountable to the voters.
• I will represent the individual needs of the Sixth Ward. As I have knocked on doors throughout the Sixth Ward, it shocked me to learn how under-represented we have been. I will conduct town hall-style meetings, as well as keep an updated website to constantly engage the residents of the ward. Many people are apathetic because they have no idea who their alderman is. I am already active in church, school, parks and neighborhood activities. I will use my energy to seek input from all residents.

Marc Mazzuca:

I want to preserve the residential character of Park Ridge and restore its reputation of being a well-run town.