Meet the Republican: James P. Macchio

"Meet the Candidates" is a feature on Southington Patch designed to help you get to know your local candidates before you take to the polls this November. Each profile was submitted directly by the candidate.

Take a moment to review each profile so you can be informed and prepared when you go to the polls on Nov. 8.

This week, we look at the Planning and Zoning Commission candidates. Be sure to look back at the Town Council, Board of Finance and Board of Education profiles featured during the past three weeks and stay informed.

Name: James P. (Jim) Macchio
Age: 57
Party, Position Seeking: Republican, Southington Planning & Zoning Commission

Occupation: Self Employed Information Technology Consultant

Political Experience: Planning & Zoning Commission (appointed as an alternate November 2010)

Other Experience: Member Southington Sons of Italy Club, one of the original Italian-American Festival Committee (2006-2009), House Committee (2007-2008) and Treasurer (2003-2009); Member Southington Chamber of Commerce; Member Polish Falcons, Nest 307.

Why did you run for office?
I’m currently an alternate on the Planning & Zoning Commission and wish to become a full commissioner. As an alternate on the current Commission, I’ve come to understand the vision and leadership that seeks and encourages discussion, debate and support from all members of the commission for the good of the town. This vision is a proactive one that’s looking to the future rather than just resting on the accomplishments of the past, something I whole heartedly endorse and want to continue being a part of going forward.

Some of the current commission issues we are working on and I want to continue to work on for the benefit of the town include:

• With the current downturn in the economy, reviewing the current regulations to see what can be done to improve the prospects of business and residences when times turn for the better; it’s one of the proactive approaches the commission is continually reviewing (Sub-committee currently reviewing the West Street corridor).
• Determining if any zoning regulations need to be modified to meet future needs is another one of these proactive approaches that I want to continue to work on (Recent zoning change in the northwest corner, Lake Compounce area, as an example).
• I want to continue the work being done by Planning & Zoning to ensure that development of new property closely matches the other properties in the area, and keeps the same general characteristics of adjoining zoned lots/land.
• Lastly, Planning & Zoning leadership is fostering a sense of collaboration with all town departments and other commissions that we interact with. Again I want to be a part of this as we work forward to ensure that Southington is ready and attractive to the needs of those who would like to call it home.

If elected, what would be your primary areas of focus?
Continued involvement with the review of current regulations and examination of exceptions/exemptions brought before the commission; recognizing that correct/tough decisions, while not always popular, must be made for the general good of all Southington residents and businesses.

What do you feel is the biggest issue facing Southington today?
Taxes. How can we make Southington more attractive to new business, maintain current businesses and keep our tax base affordable for all residents of town. The Planning & Zoning Commission working with the Department of Economic Development can make this happen.