Meet the Candidates: Frank Scarcello

Frank Scarcello wants to make a positive contribution to the city.

The 55-year-old married father of two is making its first foray into the political ring, as he challenges incumbent Joe Virdiramo in the Westfort race in the upcoming municipal election.

“I think this is the time in my life where I want to make an impact in our community and I think I have something to offer,” he said.
Scarcello, who has lived in Westfort for 22 years, was first compelled to put his name on the ballot earlier this year to add a voice of opposition to the proposed event centre, especially in the north downtown location.

As more information is released about the project he remains skeptical about whether the facility can operate without being a drain on municipal tax dollars. As a personal financial advisor, he doesn’t the calculations put forth by consultants are particularly probable.

“I have to say there is very little appetite for the event centre whether it is the wrong location, just not the right time or whether people don’t want it at all,” Scarcello said.

“The business plan is based on assumptions and projections and when you look at those projections they’re very rosy.”
Instead, Scarcello would rather see the next council make improvements to existing infrastructure.

In particular, there is one park in the Westfort ward that he said is constantly overlooked by the city.

Scarcello believes the Kam River Heritage Park has the potential to be vastly improved compared to how it is kept right now.

“The city looks like they’re neglecting it,” he said. “I’d like to see the park maintained at a very basic level.”

He also believes the next council has the responsibility to make the city safer. While he acknowledged it is a complex problem, Scarcello has one quick fix.

“I think as a sort of Band-Aid solution, without getting to the root of the problem, perhaps we could use more police officers,” he said.

Find Frank Scarcello's Facebook page here.