Peru Third Ward: Pinter challenges Sapienza for seat

As Election Day approaches Tuesday, April 6, Peru residents will not only decide on mayor, but also they will be voting to decide who will fill four aldermen seats.

These positions work hand-in-hand with the city government and play an integral role in the decision making of Peru. Aside from voting during council meetings they serve on committees, attend various meetings and serve as a connection point between residents and the city government.

The Third Ward is one of three contested races on the Peru council. Mike Sapienza and Aaron Pinter are running for the seat.

Sapienza is a current alderman of the Third Ward in Peru.

Sapienza said he was an educator and administrator for 30 years and his retirement from his profession has allowed him to be a full-time alderman 24-7.

Over his years as an educator and administrator he has negotiated contracts, formulated budgets, chaired several committees and has worked to bring together differences of opinions.

Sapienza’s opponent, Pinter is a resident of Peru, a member of Local Union 673 and works at Frito-Lay.

Pinter has a 16-year-old daughter, Taylor, and in the past has served as the president of Peru PTA and has dedicated his time to help coach local girls softball teams.

“I decided to run for office because I want to help people and make a difference in the city that I live in,” Pinter said. “I want to represent my ward and constituents so that they can be proud of Peru.”

Pinter also mentioned he wants to work on bettering the streets in the Third Ward, which ranks the worst in all four wards, and improve Peru’s parks. He also would like to see better communication among citizens and to stop wasteful spending.

Sapienza said in his years as an alderman he has tried to allocate funds for new sidewalks, curbs and pavements, especially for the Third Ward, which has many of the oldest streets in Peru.

In the past year the city has replaced almost two miles of sidewalk and street replacements in the Third Ward alone, according to Sapienza.

While working on the Finance and Safety Services Committee, Sapienza said he’s worked with Parks and Recreation and has helped organize Christmas tree lighting festivities, organized volunteers for the TBM Avengers event and looks forward to continuing to organize future events with the help of volunteers.

“Unlike those still working, I am retired and able to devote all day, if necessary to projects at hand,” Sapienza said. “My reason for running is to continue the many projects in the works for the Third Ward and the city of Peru.”

If elected, Pinter would like to see more family-oriented events and increased resident and elected official communication moving forward.

Pinter said he would like to see a welcoming City Hall, while putting a plan in place to improve parks and the city’s downtown area.

Sapienza would also like to see improved parks and recreation for all ages and a stronger downtown as well as hopes the city puts huge efforts into expanding retail.

Sapienza believes the city can continue to address some of their infrastructure concerns if it maintains its fiscal status.

“Peru can be compared to a thriving business,” Sapienza said. “If the thriving business were yours, would you change your top management simply for the sake of change? Of course not! Candidates can make any promises, but I have a record to stand on. My promise to you is simple. I will continue to always be available to you, and always do.”

Pinter would like to see the city stop wasteful spending, do more to improve city streets, bring back more volunteer events and have more family-oriented events.

“If Third Ward residents vote for me, their voices won’t fall on deaf ears,” Pinter said. “I will be accessible and return calls, emails or texts.”