Candidate Profile: Nick Guccione

Nick Guccione

Age: 59

Family: Married to my best friend, Sandy, for over 35 years; two grown children; and two grandchildren.

Education: High school and some college.

Occupation: Manager, Schnucks

Previous elected offices: Alderman, Wentzville Ward 3 since 2007, re-elected three times.

Applicable Experience: Alderman, Ward 3; director at large for the St. Charles County Municipal League; liaison to the Park Board; served on Planning and Zoning, and also served as president of the Board of Aldermen.

Volunteer Organizations: Knights of Columbus, St. Patrick Church; Wentzville Historical Society member; Wentzville's Community Club member; Mended Hearts member; Tri County Labor Council member; collect food from my company and give to local food pantry; volunteer serving meals every Thanksgiving at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Food Pantry.

Website, contact Information: www.guccione4mayor.com or www.nick4mayor.com; email: nguccione1767@charter.net; home phone:  636-332-1767.

Candidate Questions

1. What is the primary reason you are running for office of Mayor?

The residents of this community need to have a voice and a person who will stand up for them and their issues, and not special interest groups/persons. Also, I believe I can bring jobs and economic development to Wentzville in order to stimulate the local economy and by doing so help to reduce taxes. I will look at smart growth in order to alleviate congestion on the Parkway. I will continue to have town hall meetings so I can listen to the residents' concerns and help resolve those issues.

2. What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

My first priority will be to bring jobs, jobs, and more jobs into Wentzville.  Bringing jobs into Wentzville will have a domino effect in creating additional housing, which will put construction trades back to work. Even though jobs will be my single most important priority, there are many other concerns such as traffic congestion, safe streets, police protection, code enforcement, senior services, etc., that will improve the health, safety and welfare of our community.

3. What sets you apart from the other candidates?

Since first elected, I have held monthly meetings (none of the other candidates have done this; this is what sets me apart from them) for all residents to air their concerns and to brief them on current issues/events; have served for over 37 years in customer service and in leadership roles; and regardless of where a person may reside (even outside of my ward) I have always met with them in order to  resolve their issues and most of the time have reached successful conclusions to those concerns. People want to know that you care, and I care deeply about the people.

4. How long have you lived in Wentzville?

Approximately nine years.

5. What's your favorite thing about Wentzville?

The small town feeling with the amenities of a big city.

What is the biggest problem in Wentzville?

Taxes. Residents are doing their retail shopping on large items and I have addressed this issue by proposing the Energy Tax Free Holiday, which was approved, and will be effective April 19 for one week. Residents can purchase Energy Star efficient TVs, washers, dryers, air conditioners, etc., up to $1500 without paying any  tax in Wentzville. This is what I call giving back to the community!!!

What is your vision for Wentzville?

It took vision, cooperation and teamwork to bring new investment in American manufacturing jobs to Wentzville. As mayor, I will work to build on that success by attracting compatible businesses. A healthy local economy protects our property values, helps our schools, sustains local merchants and keeps taxes low! As new revenues come in, I'll also look for ways to reduce the taxes you pay so everyone benefits.