Mover & Shaker: Bill Pezza

While our next Mover & Shaker is technically retired from his job as a local teacher & administrator, it doesn't look like Bill Pezza has any plans to slow down! In addition to working as an author & speaker, Bill is also a driving force behind the revitalization of Bristol Borough.

He was influential in laying the groundwork for the revitalization and reclamation of Bristol's Riverfront North, which promoted the redevelopment of the land to create a more sustainable community on the formerly underused industrial site. Awarded the Lions’ “2003 Citizen of the Year”, Bill was also prominent in the Mill Street Project, the Villas at Riverview, and the “rails to trails” lines for biking, walking and jogging.

Altogether, he has devoted almost two decades of his life to appointed and elected positions in the Borough. Bill promoted excellence during his eight year tenure through his service on the Borough School Board and as Vice President.

Bucks Happening had the opportunity to ask this highly accomplished Mover & Shaker a few questions:

BH: What is the biggest thing that you’d like to achieve over the next 5 years?

As Chairman of the Borough’s Economic Development Committee, my passion right now is doing all I can to facilitate Historic Bristol Borough’s resurgence as a wonderful place to visit, live or start a business. Bristol is probably the most misunderstood municipality in Bucks County and certainly one of its hidden treasures. I’m excited about the partnership that is growing between government, the private sector and citizen volunteers. Small town American is on an upswing. People are opting for a sense of community and turning away from the sterile life and isolation of planned developments. I invite readers to visit our riverfront and theater, dine in our restaurants and enjoy a stroll down our historic district.

BH: Who do you look up to?

BP: Teachers who show up every day, close the door to their classrooms, and have a positive impact upon young minds despite ridiculous cuts in funding and programs and increasingly difficult and misguided mandates.

BH: How did you decide to become a teacher?

BP: I love history and government and always wanted to be a teacher. I love the classroom.

BH: What high school & college did you attend?

BP: I’m a graduate of Bristol High School, got my BA from Millersville University and my Masters from the College of New Jersey.

BH: What motivates you every morning?

BP: The desire to lead a purposeful life while doing things I enjoy.

BH: Describe your idea of a Perfect Day.

BP: Three generations of Pezzas enjoying a sunny day at the beach together.

BH: Which achievement are you most proud of?

BP: I’ve written three works of historic fiction, Anna’s Boys, Stealing Tomatoes, and Homegrown. I get a great sense of satisfaction when I hear from readers who enjoy the books. I especially like hearing from young people because the books are read in five high schools.

BH: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?

BP: Watching the Eagles suffer through a dismal season last year was very challenging.

BH: How do you think your friends & coworkers would describe you?

BP: As someone who enjoys hard work and good times in equal measure.

BH: Where are your favorite places to go in Bucks?

BP: The Bristol Riverfront and all of the wonderful restaurants that line Mill and Radcliffe Streets- Cesare’s, the King George, Annabella, The Kelch House and Cafe Bombay. My wife Karen and I make the rounds of all of them.

BH: If you could go back in time and talk to yourself 10 years ago, what advice would you give?

BP: On a personal level, I have no regrets looking back. In a broader sense, I guess I wish I would have stood on a soap box ten years ago and shouted, “Don’t get this country involved in Iraq.”

BH: Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter? Let us know where we & others can find you.

BP: I am on Facebook, managing the page and group named Bristol Borough: Raising the Bar.

BH: We look forward to watching Bristol continue to thrive under your many initiatives. Congratulations!