District 6 councilman Ben de Allesandro emphasizes traffic calming and accessibility

At a public appearance in Charleston City, Ben de Allesandro, the District 6 city councilman, said he and his brother have operated a pizzeria for 20 years and that his business experience informs how he intends to serve residents. "20 years my brother and I have had this fine pizzeria here," he said, adding that his experience has "meshed together well" with his new role.

De Allesandro told attendees that city council members are often "the first line of communication" for residents and emphasized his availability. "I've prided myself on being accessible," he said, inviting people to bring concerns to him directly.

He outlined two campaign priorities he said he wants to pursue in office: slowing traffic in neighborhoods and encouraging more community interaction. "Slowing down the traffic in the neighborhoods and getting people out in the community talking to each other," he said, identifying those priorities as part of what he campaigned on and wants to accomplish.

During a brief exchange with an audience member, who asked whether there are similarities between government and pizza making, De Allesandro replied, "You got to give the people what they want, Michael. You got to deliver for the customer, for the people." He immediately identified himself by name to the audience: "My name is Ben de Allesandro, District 6 city councilman."

No formal motions, votes, or policy actions were recorded in the provided transcript; the appearance consisted of introductory remarks and a short question-and-answer exchange.