Zappala County Council Interview

1.  Please tell us your name, age, where you live, and how you make your living.

My Name is John Zappala. I am 51 years old. I was born in Lakewood Hospital at a very young age and have lived in Lakewood my entire life. I am a product of Lakewood Schools both Parochial and public. After seven years at Cleveland State University I graduated with A Bachelors degree in communications. I have run my own business for 35 years. I started off in the painting business and found out there is more than just color. The substrate and structure must be sound and of good integrity to support the color palate. That is why I have learned all aspects of home restoration and building. I have enjoyed great success in my business and have not had to print a business card for over 25 years. I have three children and have been happily married to my wife Holly for twenty three years.

2.  Describe for us the duties of a member of the County Council.

It will be quite the event to watch, eleven different representatives with their own agenda’s for their district and an executive who can hopefully lead the way. I believe that as a Council member my foremost responsibility is to the voters who elect me; to be representative of and guardian to the funds they entrust to the county. I will be there to remind the council members to be a good steward with the people’s money. The other duty is to be a voice of common sense and accountability in the entrusting of providing the services and duties to all the people of the County. My background in my own business and my own household provides me with the skills and common sense to always make the correct decision and to live within the means the budget allows for. The test is demonstrated by the accountability of the dollars spent to the one that provide the funds, the taxpayers of the County.

3.  Why do you want to serve on County Council?

I stepped off the sideline and into this race because I want to see Cuyahoga County prosper. I want my neighbors to live in communities that are full of opportunities both economic and social. I want every parent’s dream - that their children can have a better life. I am also tired of being lied to and demanded of. I don’t want to see the deck re-shuffled. That ends up with the same game as before. It is time for a new deck and a new game that the people can win with!

4.  What qualifications to you bring that make you the most qualified?

For the past thirty-five years I have owned a successful home restoration business. This gives me a unique perspective because my clients are both the “boss” and the “consumer.” Public employees should conduct themselves in the same manner. In my business I must evaluate the situation and develop the proper course of action to restore the property to its intended use for many years to come. Ihave a proven record of assessing proper planning to eliminate wasteful spending while providing the maximum benefits. I am also a leader and the biggest cheerleader that all of us need. It is imperative to have convictions and a winning attitude. Sitting in a garage will not make you a car. I have the wisdom and the proper judgment to build the garage to house the car that one who works for it can obtain.

5.  What will you do in your first weeks? Please describe in detail, to give our readers and idea of what this position will actually be like.

Unfortunately the climate in our county has been very negative. The poor behavior of a few has discredited the many county workers that diligently care for the county’s needs. The first agenda item needed is to restore the public trust. That trust can only be restored by hard work, high ethical standards, and by respecting the tax payer’s wallet. The first weeks will be a roller coaster ride as the truth comes out about the budget and direction for the county is realized in the light of day. Difficult decisions will be required. I will be voice of reason and common sense to all those entrusted with this monumental task. The work will not be easy but it is simple. “Don’t forget who we work for.”

6.  How, specifically, will we know that you are doing a good job?

6. You will know that I am doing a good job when businesses and families chose to locate in our county. There should be a Quarterly report card to the people evaluating the achievement toward the goals the new County Council should outline at its beginning. When the people believe they are getting their money’s worth and the services they are due, then the new county council has been successful!