It’s that time in the political cycle, in which nomination petitions are being circulated to nominate people to be placed on the ballot for this May’s primary election. There are a number of Republicans seeking council office; some you may know and others you may not have met before. This blog will post a series of interviews, with the candidates, to provide the voters of West Conshy some background information on the individual candidates and some of their thoughts on the needs of the Borough.

First up is Joseph G. Pignoli:

Your Background:

How long have you lived in the borough?

I have lived in the Borough for 36 years.

Do you have any kids?

I’ve been married for almost 50 years to my wife Peg and have two sons.

What kind of work experience do you have?

I worked as a maintenance mechanic for 35 years.

What experience do you have that is relevant to serving on council?

I have served the Borough for about 16 years as Chairman of the Zoning Hearing Board, Vacancy Board and was Mayor for 13 years. I am experienced in what it takes to be a Council person.

Your Outlook:

If you could have dinner with any historical figure who would you pick?

I would have to say Teddy Roosevelt.

What is something you learned in the last week?

Don’t put something off ’till tomorrow, that you can do today.

Thoughts on politics:

What does it mean to you to be a Republican?

I’m a Republican and my motto is – be strong in what you believe is right.

Who is your favorite president?

My favorite president was John F. Kennedy.

Thoughts on West Conshy:

What do you like most about living in the borough?

Our Borough is growing bigger every year; it is a great place to live and raise a family.

What do you think is the most over looked problem in the borough?

A lot of things have been overlooked, especially parking and traffic problems. We need to get aggressive and get it done.

What are the biggest opportunities for the borough in the next five years?

I believe over the next five years we should look to improve our community services, park and rec programs and special events. We have many dedicated people that run these programs. We should also look at remodeling the present park.

Thoughts on Borough Council:

Why do you want to be on the borough council?

I would like to be elected to serve all residents and to work with all Council members to get all the things done that I mentioned above.

What particular issue do you care most about and want to get on the council agenda?

The biggest thing in today’s world we must be on top of is public safety and not to cut funds to Police or the Fire Company; they are the heart of the Borough.

What can the council do to improve communications with the borough residents?

We must keep our residents informed of all that goes on in the Borough and let them be a voice in things that affect them. A newsletter once a month would be great.

What can the borough do better to support small business?

The biggest draw for business and new residents is public safety; we are rated number one because of our tax rate, location, fire company and police protection and low crime rate.

What advice would you give someone who is running for council for the first time?

My advice to anyone running for council is to listen to our residents and what is important to them.

I have many more plans to keep this Borough great again for all. I will be available for any questions at our get togethers we will be having in the future. [editor: like this Saturday in the park]