Email
Print
Candidate Q&A: Steve Sciascia
ADVERTISEMENT
Published: October 18, 2009
Updated: 10/21/2009 11:36 am
Occupation
IT Operational Risk Consultant, Wachovia
Education
Bachelor's degrees in information systems, Appalachian State University, 1987
What life and professional experiences do feel will help you, if elected?
My experience of serving almost four years on Harrisburg's Town Council as well as my commitment to the community makes me very qualified. During my first term in office I contributed many accomplishments in Harrisburg. We now have a successful Parks and Recreation Department which provides recreational opportunities for youth, adults and seniors. We have implemented restrictions on retail and residential developments through ordinance initiatives that will preserve our small town atmosphere. Communication to the residents is improving through the installation of a phone messaging system as well as the purchase of an email push system which will keep our residents informed with information ranging from local events to criminal activities in our neighborhoods. I have been an active member in the Harrisburg community by serving over seven years as the President of the Harrisburg Youth Association; serving over three years on the Cabarrus County Parks and Recreation Commission; and acting as Council Liaison to the Harrisburg Parks and Recreation Advisory board for three years. I have been a dedicated employee of Wachovia for 20 years.
What are the three biggest issues facing your constituency and your community?
A. One of Harrisburg's most pressing problems is what is currently plaguing the United States: the recession. The cost of services the town provides will soon exceed the amount of revenues received. It is imperative that we increase our revenues by increasing our tax base and not the tax rate. We must begin to look for ways to bring smart development into Harrisburg to increase revenue streams.
B. We need to build a stronger relationship with our police force and fire department. In the past a council person was assigned to be the liaison to these departments. This key role allowed for communications to flow to and from these departments. The council needs to be informed about any issues/concerns they are encountering as well providing issues or concerns our residents may be experiencing. In addition we need to start a Sheriff's Advisory Committee made up of concerned citizens that serve as a liaison between the community and the Harrisburg Police force.
C. We continue to work on systems that will increase the town's ability to communicate with our residents. Our website is in need of an upgrade to allow for a better online experience. We are in need of a monthly publication of town information that can be cheaply inserted into each water bill. The residents need to know that each Council member is accessible, if they have a question or concern about something they heard or read on a website it is important that they know that factual information is available with a quick phone call.
What specifically would you do to spur economic development and bring jobs, if elected?
We are in tough times; developers are not knocking down our doors to move to Harrisburg. It's time to attract businesses that support our vision by reactivating the Mayor's economic development committee. Members of our community, local developers and the town need to team up and create a plan that will market our great town. The removal of the quasi-judicial process allows council to directly communicate with developers to create a partnership that will better provide a product for which the whole community can be proud. We must invite developers to our community to better understand the economics about different types of development so we can begin to plan for the future.
What is your vision for the community that would shape your decisions, if elected?
Council spent many hours creating a vision and core value statements for our community. We received many great comments from public forums to construct what I believe is a great vision for our community: "Harrisburg will be the best small town in North Carolina based on low density housing, excellent economic opportunities, a safe living environment, and efficient and effective municipal services. Amenities such as excellent recreational programs, adequate open space, attractive shopping opportunities, a diversity of restaurants, and a connected system of roadways, sidewalks, greenways, and bicycle lanes will continue to enhance the quality of life of the town. These services and amenities will be provided while retaining reasonable tax rates and debt levels." When faced with decisions involving the town, I ask myself two questions: Does it support Harrisburg's vision and core value statements; and how will the citizens of Harrisburg react. If I can answer the questions knowing that the vision is supported and the majority of citizens would agree, I am confident the decision I make is right for the town.
Do you have any hobbies?
Cycling and Hiking are two of my favorite hobbies
What's the last book you read?
All New Square Foot Gardening
Email
Print
ADVERTISEMENT
Click a region for news specific to that area.
 |
||
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
Advertisement
