The Five Minute Difference

I enjoyed the opportunity to speak at the forum yesterday, hosted by the Republican Women of Park Ridge.   All of the candidates for mayor, alderman and park board were given five minutes to introduce themselves and give a brief vision for their particular position.  I introduced myself and continued my positive campaign to represent the 6^th Ward residents and help the city of Park Ridge.

My opponent, the incumbent of the 6^th Ward, took his five minutes to go on a rambling and misleading assault on my intentions, positions and even livelihood. I was encouraged by a man in the audience to respond his brand of negative politics. In most cases, I would be outraged.  However, for the last several months I’ve attended almost every city council meeting (or watched the rest on YouTube), and his strange attacks are nothing new to how he carries himself as our representative.  In fact, in an August city council meeting, an Alderman and the Mayor had to cut off Mazzuca  while verbally attacking a resident.  Mazzuca, then went on to say to that resident “I was going to call you every name in the book, but I changed my mind.”   Has this ever happened in Park Ridge city council history?  Is this really the character of someone who should represent the 6^th Ward?

Before the first forum, on February 7^th, Mazzuca came out with a brochure, which again took my words out of context, while attacking me by name.  You will not see his name on any of my brochures or my website.  The only time I mention his name on the campaign trail, is when people ask me (and quite frequently) “who is my Alderman.”   I’m not going to roll around in the dirt with Mazzuca.  I think people are tired of typical lying politicians trying to get re-elected after doing an awful job and being invisible to the community.  The only reason I mention his name in this article, is that I feel the need to respond to the unethical and ridiculous five minute tirade from the forum.  My character is verified by a neighborhood who knows and supports me.  His neighbors in Bristol Court, signed a 200+ petition against him.  If you have a positive vision for this city, you should be enthusiastic and talk about that vision.   That’s what I’ve done. 

Now here’s some truth about me.  I’ve lived in the 6^th Ward for over 10 years. I’m married to a life-long Park Ridge resident.  We love raising our three children (5, 3 and 2) in this great city.  I participate in the community.  I’m active in school, church and the neighborhood. I coach baseball and play softball in our parks.  As a homeowner with three young children, I’m concerned about our present and our future.

I’m a Business Development Manager for a company that manufactures specialty packaging for some of the largest food and beverage companies in the country.  We also work with many retail and restaurant chains.  For over 15 years, I’ve worked with professional groups of people to work towards consensus that ultimately succeeds.  I have also been a Real Estate Managing Broker since 2006, so I understand what effects property value and attracts homebuyers to Park Ridge.

Here are some things that I’ll do as Alderman:

• Use my experience to lead a team that will work on getting new business in town to help taxpayers. We have too many “For Rent” signs that cause the taxpayers to make up for lost revenue. Every dollar of business revenue that the city gets is one less needed from the taxpayers.  
• I will make sure necessary investments are made for sewer lining and repair. We’ve had flooded basements three times and I understand the huge cost to homeowners when sewers fail.
• I will communicate with residents during my whole term, not just in election season. I will plan town hall style meetings and keep an active website for the residents to stay informed.  Dismissing voters gets us a government that doesn’t work for the voters.
• I am a new voice for Park Ridge. I have no affiliations with any current elected official or candidate. 
• I will vote with common sense and fiscal responsibility.  
• I’ll be honest and transparent with the residents, while watching out for their pocketbooks.
• I will represent the 6^th Ward residents regarding the impacts of O’Hare Expansion.
• I will treat city staff with respect. I will challenge the city staff, but do so in respectful way to reach a common goal.   That common goal is to serve the taxpayers. 
• I will also respect and listen to the ideas of residents. 
• I will support a tree replacement program to maintain our infrastructure and environment
• I will take care of our bills now and fairly.  I won’t work for cheap political points that unfairly burdens Park Ridge taxpayers in the future.
• I support a water rate that is fair to everyone.  I won’t support bills that pick winners and losers.
• I am part of this community and expect to be held accountable by my neighbors. 

For more information about me and my ideas, please go to my website www.electvincent.com or email me at contact@vincentlavecchia.com

Vincent LaVecchia

Candidate for 6^th Ward Alderman