2021 Candidate Questionnaire on
Environmental Sustainability

Candidate Responses:  Anthony Panzera
[email protected]
​www.panzeraforcouncil.com

  1. Background
    What would you like Grandview residents to know about your background, as it relates to the environment, climate, and conservation?  If applicable, please describe any  relevant educational, career, or service experience you have.

    I don’t have a degree, qualified expertise, or relevant professional history related to environmental science. 20 Years of experience as a city leader has given me a wide breadth of insight and awareness across these topics, but I wouldn’t attempt to misrepresent myself in any way by claiming to be an expert.
    ​
  2. Priorities, Values, and Philosophy
    To what extent do environmental concerns drive your priorities as a citizen and candidate for City Council?  Please share your philosophy and values as they relate to the environment and sustainability.

    As a private citizen, I am highly driven to limit my impact on the environment as much as possible. As a 20-year Council Member, environmental concerns are always an influence in the city’s decisions, to the extent possible as one of the smallest full-service cities in Central Ohio.

    I believe that environmental impact is a critical concern, and we choose to live in a community that embraces the available opportunities such as the pursuit of LEED-guided development, recycling, composting, and the preservation of our environmental features. In my personal and professional life I take every practical measure to reduce waste, save energy, compost, and minimize the impact that I have on the environment. I truly believe that most of the community and those who work here exercise the same diligence.

  3. Greenspace
    Describe the importance of our community’s parks, greenspace, and tree canopy to you.  As a City Council member, what steps would you take, if any, to preserve and/or expand these local assets? 

    The www.PanzeraForCouncil.com website offers an expanded view of this question. I have a proven 20-year track record to promote, preserve, improve, and expand the city’s trees, parks, greenspaces, and natural environment.

  4. Transportation
    Describe your views and/or policy positions on transportation in Grandview.  What should the City’s priorities be in this domain?  Please share any specific ideas or proposals related to pedestrian and bicycle routes, public transit, and/or electric vehicle infrastructure.  

    Like most other residents and businesses, I believe pedestrian-accessible routes and amenities are a mainstay to the character of our city. Equally, alternate transportation such as bikes and multi-modal forms has ALWAYS been part of my priorities. In my 20 years as a Council Member, I have consistently supported measures ensuring there is attention to every opportunity involving alternate transportation.

    In addition to the answer provided above, I completely believe that environmental impact will demand increasing attention on EV infrastructure, and we will aggressively pursue that future as it continues to evolve.

  5. Solid Waste
    What are your positions on trash, food waste, recycling, litter, and single-use plastics?  What, if anything, can Grandview do better in these domains, and what specific policies or programs would you pursue as a member of Council?

    My household recycles 100% of suitable materials, and 100% or our food waste goes to compost. It’s an obsession of ours. Collectively, Grandview Heights as a community has one of the highest recycling participation rates in the state. I have made the city’s recycling program a top priority as a Council Member over the past 20 years, and I will continue to do so. We are on the right track but there’s always room for improvement. We have partnered with SWACO on multiple occasions to lead the effort on recycling, and the city’s recent (2020) composting program will continue to grow as we provide increased communication to our residents.

  6. Renewable Resources
    Renewable electricity is now cost-competitive with traditional sources of electricity – and it continues to trend downward in price.  Do you support joining other leading Central Ohio cities – including Columbus, Bexley and Grove City – in giving Grandview residents and businesses the choice of cost-competitive, 100% renewable electricity?

    15 Years ago, as President of Council, I explored the possibility of procuring the city facilities’ electric by a renewable-source provider – specifically wind-produced electricity. Unfortunately, at that time it was not feasible from a cost basis, and there was little traction to make it a reality. The environmental priorities have changed dramatically since that time, and technology has made it more accessible. I would like to explore that again, along with programs to offer those options to our residents and businesses.

  7. Environmental Toxins
    ​    Environmental toxins, such as lead and coal tar, pose significant threats to human health.  What should Grandview’s role be in mitigating the presence of these toxins in our air, homes, businesses, and waterways?

    I believe government does have a role to mitigate and reduce the use and exposure to known toxins such as what you’ve described, but the practical application of our small city’s legislative power in these matters is more limited than many choose to believe. It’s an objective that warrants attention and measure, but we must always consider these priorities in comparison to the other critical operational costs and required duties of the city. Continued conversation is required to balance these needs, with an equal awareness of implementation and enforcement challenges that affect ideal solutions.