Todd Scalzo​ For Wheaton City Council, West District​: Patch Candidate Profile

Name: Todd Scalzo

Age: 38

Position Sought: Wheaton City Council, West District

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Education:

The John Marshall Law School, Chicago, IL, Juris Doctor; University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, B.A.; Benet Academy, Lisle, IL; St. Michael School, Wheaton, IL

Occupation: Attorney at Scalzo Law Offices in Wheaton for 12 years

Why are you running?: I was born and raised in Wheaton and currently live and work here. I enjoy serving the community that has given me so much.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:Wheaton City Council, West District, 2009-Present

Campaign Website:

Website: www.toddscalzo.com

Facebook: Todd Scalzo - Wheaton City Council

What do you hope to accomplish in office?

The City's three strategic priorities are financial stability, quality infrastructure, and efficient services. These are all tied together and the challenge is finding the right balance. If we get it right, Wheaton will be a more desirable place to live and will attract more businesses and residents. That's what I hope to accomplish over the next 4 years.

How would you hold local government employees accountable?

Wheaton has operated under the Council-Manager form of government since the 1960's. Under that framework, the City Council hires one employee, the City Manager, who then oversees all City employees. The City also has collective bargaining agreements with its three major unions (Police, Fire, Public Works) which largely control work expectations and disciplinary procedures. The City Council reviews the City Manager's performance every year, and any personnel issues may be discussed at that time. 


 This arrangement has worked very well over the City's history.

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board)?

In 2015, the City Council established new strategic priorities. One of our previous priorities had been Economic Development. We discussed whether or not that should remain on the list. While Economic Development is a community priority, it is not necessarily a government priority because government should be cautious of putting taxpayer dollars into private enterprises. Rather, the City Council concluded that by focusing on our first three priorities (financial stability, quality infrastructure, and efficient services), we would create the conditions for economic growth. For those reasons, we took Economic Development off the list of strategic priorities.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have served on the City Council since 2009. In that time, the City has maintained a record that includes a AAA bond rating, one of the lowest levels of overall taxes and fees among surrounding communities, one of the lowest work forces among surrounding communities, and an 84% citizen satisfaction rate for major city services. I believe this records shows that I can handle the job and do so in a way that reflects the expectations of Wheaton residents.

What else would you like voters to know about you and your positions?

It has been an honor and privilege to serve the community and I would appreciate the opportunity to continue doing so.

Photo provided by Todd Scalzo