Politics & Government

Meet Your Candidates: John Pietron, Village of Morton Grove, Board of Trustees

John Pietron is running for one of the three village board seats open in this year's election.

John Pietron is running for a four-year seat on the Village of Morton Grove Board of Trustees, a six-member group steering the village's government and economic policies with one President, totaling seven officials in all.  

Pietron served as the chairman of the Economic Development Commission in Morton Grove, and unsuccessfully ran for a trustee seat in 2009. He spent nearly 20 years as a marketing consultant, and has lived in Morton Grove for more than three decades.

This year, three seats are up for the four-year terms of service, and two political parties are campaigning for spots: Action Party (Shelden "Shel" Marcus, John Thill and Maria Toth) and  (Georgianne Brunner, Rita Minx and John Pietron). 

Find out what's happening in Niles-Morton Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Morton Grove Patch collects the local politicians' beliefs and opinions with same Q&As for each candidate, publishes them in alphabetical order, and does not change submitted answers in major punctuation, style or content ways.

Now then, let's get down to the questions:

Find out what's happening in Niles-Morton Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Patch: How would you assess the state of the village’s budget?

Pietron: A budget is essentially an estimate of future revenues and expenses, usually for the next fiscal year, to which actual performance is compared. It also reflects the business practices that determine the Village’s financial status. The current state of the Village’s budget is weak in revenue. This is of major concern and must be immediately addressed by proactively working on getting more retail sales tax revenue generating business into Morton Grove.

Patch: If expenses need to be reduced, exactly what would you cut? Be Specific.

Pietron: I’m assuming that by expenses, Patch refers to operating expenses within the fiscal year. It appears that expenses have been substantially reduced. Before reducing expenses further from the current point, it’s important to determine if further reductions would negatively impact residents and businesses.

However, further recommended expense reductions would be:

a.      Reducing the Board’s annual salary

b.      Eliminate the monthly stipend for all Commissions that receive it.

Patch: If more revenue needs to be raised, exactly what would you propose? Be specific.

Pietron: This question should be reworded to “…more revenue needs to be raised….” It’s all about Economic Development without offering excessive incentives to attract new businesses. I would reestablish communications with developers/investors/brokers who expressed interest in building in Morton Grove. Morton Grove must significantly improve its foundation for sales tax generating revenue.

Patch: What, if anything, does the village need to do to adequately fund police and fire pensions?

Pietron: Funding these pensions is mandated by State Law. Again, it’s about Economic Development. I trust it’s obvious that expenses and financial obligations (interest payments, etc.) get paid for from the revenue the Village generates. The greater the revenue, the better expense paying ability the Village has. However, the Village should increasing revenue by attracting more substantial (quantity/quality) sales tax generating retail businesses.

Patch: Does the village need to start or intensify economic development efforts? What specific ideas do you have to foster economic development?

Pietron: Absolutely, Morton Grove needs to start intensifying economic development.

Specifics:

  • Again, I’d reestablish communications with developers who expressed interest in purchasing property to develop based on actual successful projects in other locations within the Chicago Metropolitan areas.
  • Have resident focus groups totaling 300 minimum residents for statistic validity (done in house with minimal if any cost) to determine what type of businesses they want. Use the results to actively prospect for such businesses.
  • Establish & publish a cash flow analysis to determine the return on dollars before spending any incentive dollars the Village considers using to attract businesses.

Patch: If the state of Illinois succeeds in re-establishing the capital bill, would you support video gaming in this village?

Pietron: This question should be asked of the residents instead of the candidates. Gaming, just like the OTB issue, is an emotional issue. People like or dislike it. The Board must ask residents if they want video gaming.

Patch: Briefly tell us what, in your background or education, has prepared you to make a contribution on this board. Can you offer an expertise that would be a resource to other board members?

  • BS Finance
  • Masters Business Administration
  • 40 years business experience
  • 19 years as an entrepreneur (marketing consulting)—building the business from ground up
  • Former Appearance Commissioner
  • Former Economic Development Commissioner (also serving as Chairperson)
  • Member of and having held leadership positions of other Associations Committees / Boards.

Economic Development, strategic planning, marketing, sales, advertising are areas of expertise that I would consider resources not only to board members but also and more importantly to the residents and business in Morton Grove.

Patch: How would you assess the public services the village offers residents, including police, fire, trash pickup, snow removal, responsiveness of village hall, etc. 

Pietron: What needs to be improved? Are residents getting adequate value for their tax dollar? Police, fire, trash pickup, snow removal continue as when my wife and I moved in 35 years ago. Thumbs up. Responsiveness of village hall….they respond when we contact them. Improvements needed……maintaining trees on the parkways. I realize there are budget cuts but the wonderful mature trees in MG contribute to not only the quality of life but also the appeal of the area. Are we residents getting adequate value for our tax dollars….can’t say because that would require a comparison to other villages in the area, i.e. what are they paying for what they receive. Nonetheless, applause to the Police, Fire Department, Public Works, the staff at Village Hall, plus the folks that pickup our trash and recyclables.

Patch: What else would you like voters to know about your positions on issues or point of view?

Pietron: If elected and in addition to Trustee duties, I would champion an ordinance that would essentially “eliminate” one party rule (regardless of the party). I’m not sure, at this point, what is the best and most legally adhering way to do that. Perhaps establishing a Citizens Oversight Committee (members of which to be independent of any local political affiliation) to ensure that any One Party Board remains responsible, accountable and practices detailed public discussions (including alternatives) of financial/social issues. Perhaps there should be a Citizens Oversight Committee even if the Board is Multi-Party. I’d definitely seek residents’ opinions. Legislative and Citizen Checks and balances (above and beyond voting) are imperative. I’m starting a Citizens Group to protect property values. We citizens have been financially beat up and need to keep watchful eyes on our legislatures – and if elected, I would encourage and welcome our residents watching over my shoulder.


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