Pitochelli Tells FM Global: Don't Fall For 'Extortion'

During the July 18 town council meeting, Councilman Ernest Pitochelli (I-Dist. 2) read from a letter he had written to the ownership of FM Global telling the company not to fall prey to what he called "extortion" by residents.

Pitochelli explained in the letter that he has heard from neighbors who want trees planted on their property at FM Global's expense.

"Please don't (pay for the trees), because if you do for one, who knows how many more may seek the same so-called privacy?" Pitochelli wrote.

In a follow-up interview, Pitochelli said he thinks it's wrong that residents are trying to get money out the company, which "has been very cooperative with the town of Johnston," he explained.

"They see an opportunity," Pitochelli said, "(but) if you have a problem, money shouldn't buy you off."

FM Global, an insurance and risk prevention company, recently built a new $60 million facility across Central Avenue from the original Allendale Insurance campus, and employs about 1,000 people, Pitochelli noted.

"I think the town is lucky to have their corporate headquarters here," Pitochelli explained. "The residents and taxpayers should thank God that we have FM Global in our town."

The company still owns the land at the former site of Allendale Insurance (a separate leasing company manages the building), and Pitochelli explained FM Global continues to pay property taxes on that land.

"I'm very happy with what FM Global is doing for the town of Johsnton," the councilman said.