Salem’s new service/safety director settles in
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SALEM -- Joe Cappuzzello admits he didn't know much about the inner workings of city government when he became Salem's new service/safety director in November.
But if there's one thing he really likes to do, it's working with people -- and that's the essence of the job.
Whether he's making sure employees in the departments he oversees have what they need to succeed or helping citizens with any issues they're having, it's all about the people.
"I'm here to serve the citizens of Salem," he said.
He's also learned there's more to city government than most residents realize.
"Impressive" was the word he used to describe what he's seen so far, praising the police and fire departments, electrical, traffic & safety, streets and housing and zoning departments which all fall under his purview.
He said he's like a lot of people, having "a preconceived notion of government and the people who work there."
"Once you get to look behind the curtain and see what goes on and how things get done and the people doing it, presents you a different perspective," he said.
What he likes the most about the job so far is interacting with the city employees and meeting with the mayor to keep him apprised of what's happening. He meets just about every day with the department heads.
"Amazing what goes on when people are working or when they're sleeping," he said, referring to all the many things that happen and how city employees take care of them. "The vast majority of the citizens have no idea what problems have been averted."
He said "there's just a lot of good going on here."
The police and fire departments keep citizens safe and the street department workers prove themselves every time there's a weather event. They end up being out for long hours at all times of the day or night to plow and clear the streets. So far, the snow emergency parking ban has been enacted twice since Cappuzzello started. He knows it's an inconvenience to some people, but said there's a reason for it, to ease snow removal efforts.
When dealing with callers, he said "you have to listen. They're calling you for a reason. People have to be heard and acknowledged."
Hopefully he said action can be taken to resolve their situation or get them an answer.
Cappuzzello never set out to work as city service/safety director. He had been looking for a job, sending his resume to everyone he knew, networking, and just happened to send one to Mayor John Berlin in hopes he may know a company looking for someone.
He had no idea the city was going to have an opening. The retirement of Ken Kenst had not been announced yet.
He had experience managing people, plus this was close to home, so why not? For years, his previous employment required a lot of travel out of the area so he was happy for the opportunity.
Cappuzzello didn't grow up in Salem, but moved here in 1985. He and his wife Amy raised their family here, daughters Julie and Jenny, son Ryan, and twins Mary and John.
He was born and raised on the west side of Youngstown, basketball was his game in high school and he graduated from Chaney in 1977. He then went on to Youngstown State University, where he met Amy and earned a degree in accounting in 1982, becoming a certified public accountant and certified fraud examiner. Fun fact, he worked his way through college by operating a letter sorting machine at the post office.
Cappuzzello worked 20 years at Summitville Tile, where he was the controller for distribution centers. Then he worked 16 years for Group Travel Family, managing conventions and conferences all over the country. When he left in August, he was the president and chief executive officer.
He's been involved with the St. Paul School Foundation since its inception, serving as past president and past treasurer and chairing the nominating committee for new members and officers. He's also a member of the Kent State Salem Business Advisory Council, the Knights of Columbus at St. Paul Church and the Italian American Club. He also served on the Salem Civil Service Commission.
Cappuzzello describes himself as a huge, huge Notre Dame fan, noting that South Bend has been a family destination at least two or three times a year. He's also a fan of Cleveland sports teams, likes to vacation at Amelia Island, Fla. and reads military fiction.
He urged citizens to give him a call if they have any concerns.
"I'll try my best to get back to them," he said.