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Name: John Spella
Age: 59
Town: Algonquin
Office sought: Algonquin Village trustee
Occupation: Self-Employed Business Owner
Education: Bachelor of Science, Western Illinois University
Elected offices held: Algonquin Village Trustee 2003-present
Website: www.johnspella.com
Social Media: facebook.com/JSAglonquinVillageTrustee
Questions:
1. What is your largest priority for Algonquin if elected?
The largest priority is to have a strong financial plan so that we can provide the residents of Algonquin the infrastructure, products and services they deserve. Algonquin’s budget has been balanced for 15 years and has maintained a AAA credit rating. By having a strong financial standing, we can attract stronger businesses to Algonquin which will result in more jobs and help maintain our tax base.
2. What changes should Algonquin make in the future?
Algonquin has a strong future. We are a proactive community with strong infrastructure. We look forward to new opportunities and make improvements on our progress. The focus for Algonquin’s future must include the revitalization of the East side. There are wonderful opportunities to explore for business development on our East side. At present, the Village is working diligently with marketing specialists to help recruit businesses to our town.
Algonquin continues to look for ways to enhance our community with natural city scaping and beautification of parks and playgrounds. Algonquin has received numerous awards for its environmental programs and continues to work with the Algonquin Public Library as well as the Dundee Park District to provide programs for all Algonquin residents.
3. What are your thoughts on video gaming in the village?
Video gaming has brought extra revenue to participating Algonquin businesses. Businesses who provide video gaming must meet all restrictions deemed by the State of Illinois and the Village of Algonquin. Video gaming permits are tied to the business liquor license and must be attached to a current operating business. Any violation of the Village's liquor license would result in the loss or suspension of their gambling license which would also affect their liquor license. Revenues received through video gaming are designated to the Algonquin Parks and Recreation Department.
4. What makes you stand out compared to the other candidates?
I believe in representing the entire Algonquin community. Being a Village Trustee for 15-plus years has given me the experience needed to explore projects which will benefit our community. Being a good listener allows me to understand the needs and concerns of Algonquin residents. As a Village Trustee, it is important to be well informed on projects and activities which allows me to make the vital decisions necessary to benefit the entire Village community.
Algonquin has always been my home. Having lived on the East and West sides of Algonquin, I have seen our Village grow from a small town to our current population.
5. What else should voters know about you?
I serve with integrity and dedication when addressing the concerns of Algonquin residents. I understand the value of working diligently to ensure Algonquin remains a great place to live. I believe conversations between trustees and residents are essential to building a healthy democracy and a balanced community. I encourage all residents of Algonquin to participate in our weekly public meetings. Residents who attend our meetings will be better informed and can help make a positive difference in our community. I welcome residents to contact me directly at the Algonquin.org, my website (www.JohnSpella.com), or on Facebook @JSAlgonquinVillageTrustee.
6. What are your thoughts on how the village has handled downtown construction, Longmeadow Parkway, attracting businesses to the east side, etc?
The revitalization of downtown Algonquin is coming along very well. Due to our excessively cold winter, some projects have had to be delayed. Despite delays, several new restaurants and other businesses have or will soon open in downtown Algonquin. Algonquin continues to be the gem of the Fox River.
The Longmeadow Parkway has been a planned transportation corridor for a long time. As the Parkway is completed, the Village of Algonquin and surrounding areas will benefit from less congestion on our bridges and roads.
The Village is taking a proactive approach to the revitalization of the East side as well as other areas of Algonquin. We hired a professional outside marketing firm and experienced business recruiters to assist us in developing marketing materials and campaigns to attract businesses. The new owner of Algonquin Town Center, on the East side, has invested greatly to reface the Center and make improvements on the parking lot as well as the interiors of the vacant properties within the Center. Numerous businesses are growing on the East side. O’Reilly’s Auto Parts and the new dual language preschool have recently opened, and McDonald’s has expanded.
Algonquin is a wonderful village. Helping to rebuild the East side, creating a new downtown, attracting new businesses and developing a corporate park are all great challenges. Business and Community development is vital, and I hope to lead and continue to build a brighter future for Algonquin.