Wisdom Wednesday | The Strength of the Facts

This week, several questions were raised regarding candidate filings in Platte County. It was a moment that required a deep breath, a sharp eye, and a commitment to the truth of the law.

Leadership isn't about being the loudest person in the room; it’s about being the most prepared.

When my own filing was questioned, I didn't respond with rhetoric. I responded with research. I spent hours in the Missouri Statutes, bringing forward the facts and evidence necessary to ensure the integrity of our ballot. I am grateful to our two District Commissioners, who took the time to look deeper, ask the hard questions, and ultimately conclude that protecting the rights of candidates—and the choices of voters—was the only correct path forward.

While the Presiding Commissioner held a different view, the process worked because we relied on data over drama.  I contacted the Commissioners on Tuesday (yesterday May 5th - Happy Cinco de Mayo!), to thank them for allowing me to speak as long as I needed, state my case and address all of you who attended such an important County Government meeting.  I also contacted the Board of Elections asking several election questions and trying to get to the bottom of the confusing instructions.  It shocks me that the Board of Elections is claiming it was all their fault for changing the filing requirement instructions.  And yes, I remain skeptical and at some point in time the truth will be revealed.  But that issue will not distract me from my campaign to convince the voters of Platte County that I am the most capable candidate in the race for County Clerk.

I am humbled to still be in this race, and I am more committed than ever to bringing that same "Engineer’s Mindset" to the Clerk’s office. If we can apply this level of scrutiny and statutory research to a filing discrepancy, imagine what we can do for our county’s tax levies and public records.

I want to give an example of how I think and work.  I shouldn’t tell this on myself, but when I had 2,000 post cards made for handouts, I made a glaring spelling error in large type across the top of the back of the card.  Well, first thoughts were I would have to eat that cost and order more cards or new door hangers.  But the simple $30 solution was sheets of thin blank Avery labels printed through my laser printer and simply stuck over the errant line.  $30 versus $200.  I am that frugal with your campaign donation funds and will be even more with your tax dollars!

I am standing my ground for you, because Platte County deserves a Clerk who knows the rules, follows the facts, and never stops working for the best interest of the taxpayers.  I stood my ground because I felt the voters of Platte County would be the losers if 6 candidates were disqualified due to the circumstances.  I promise to equally fight for you in the matters that may come before me as Platte County Clerk.

The work continues.  Please join me in our campaign!

Click on the QR code to donate to my campaign!

#WisdomWednesday #PlatteCounty #WojoForClerk #Integrity #MissouriStatutes #TheWojtkiewiczStandard #LeadWithFacts

“𝐺𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑠 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑣𝑖𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑚𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑜𝑐𝑟𝑒 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑠.”

― Albert Einstein

I will have more of a post on Wednesday as we move forward with the campaign, but just wanted everyone to know that we survived being disqualified as the County Commission voted 2-1 against disqualification for all 7 candidates who were on the agenda for disqualification.  District 1 Commissioner Berberich and District 2 Commissioner Vanover voted against disqualifying the candidates.

The voters of Platte County are the real winners!  But there is much political aligning and maneuvering going on.  Four candidates withdrew from their campaigns before the Monday morning Commission meeting - Kevin Robinson Auditor (re-election); Holly Cayer Collector Candidate; Chris Kendall Treasurer (interim to finish term); Dale Brouk Presiding Commissioner Candidate.

It is said that 3 of these candidates are or have changed from their declared Republican Party affiliation to declaring as Independents and will gather petition signatures and run as independents in the General Election in November.  We will see who actually refiles or runs by July 27th.

What a crazy election season folks.  This has been very stressful for all of us involved and accused of not filing properly with the Platte County Clerk.  I can assure you I will everything in my power if elected your County Clerk to avoid any more confusion or disqualification actions except if and when it actually happens and can be factually documented.  I will be helpful for any candidate, no matter party affiliation, to make sure they comply with the rules.  I will also offer my assistance in updating or changing the rules to clarify and make it easier to participate in local government.

The campaign will kick back in within a few days once we have recharged our souls, take stock where we are and move forward spreading our message of stability, accuracy and collegial respect between all county offices.

“𝐴𝑛𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑜 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑛𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑎 𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑛𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑛𝑒𝑤.”

― Albert Einstein

This hat may become a collector's item for 4 lucky folks!

I'm sure you've all seen the headline or lower TV crawl stating "Platte County looks to remove 7 candidates from the ballot".  It's going to be big news come Monday afternoon following the County Commission meeting when and if the Commission carries through with disqualifying 7 county candidates, including yours truly.

This all stems from confusing instructions regarding filing a required Personal Financial Disclosure (PFD) document with the Missouri Ethics Commission and the County Clerk. 6 candidates read the instructions the same and followed them with good intent.  It also appears that a County Ordinance is trying to supersede State Statutes and law.

But Thursday the disqualification orders were drawn up and sent to all affected candidates on Friday.  The one candidate who may actually have earned getting disqualified is Auditor Kevin Robinson who is an incumbent running for re-election.  He apparently did not file with the Missouri Ethics Commission by the required date, filing with both the MEC and the County Clerk on April 28th or 29th.

I could state my case why I think the 6 of us, both Republican and Democrat, are unworthy of this punishment, but instead, I urge all to attend Monday morning's Commission Meeting at the courthouse in Platte City.  The meeting begins at 9:30am and is scheduled to go until 11:30am.  I suggest arriving shortly after 9am to sign up to testify is you wish to have your voice heard.

I plan on restating my case and airing my grievances with this whole ugly affair.  But as of today, Saturday, it appears that all 7 candidates will likely be disqualified thus causing 4 county offices to be decided by a Commission action without one vote being cast by the electorate for any candidate.  There is some conversation about filing being reopen, but that may also only affect the offices where the incumbent was removed, withdrawn or disqualified.  The 4 offices affected are Presiding Commissioner, Auditor, Collector and Treasurer.  The Auditor and Treasurer have incumbents.  The Clerk's race would still have 2 Republican candidates and a Democrat candidate.  So doubtful the Clerk and Collector would be reopened for filing.  But the rules are not clear and this author has not received clarification on the matter.

How unfair do you all feel this is and might be?  I find it terribly offensive.  Not just because of the work, time and money I have raised and spent to run for County Clerk thus far, but that voters of Platte County potentially have no vote or voice in selecting who will govern them.  There is no satisfaction in winning an office in that manner.

The campaign is suspended until the outcome of Monday's meeting is determined.  The saddest fallout from all this is the betrayal of whom I thought were political allies.  Politics is mean and fickle.  I knew that and that Missouri mule has kicked me in the gut a few times this past week.  Politics has become so divisive.  All of us in this arena should be working to unify.  To find common ground where we can and debate civilly when we cannot.  We need to find solutions, not winner take all at any cost.  This is why most citizens want nothing to do with politics and become apathetic and do not pay attention to how any stripe of elected leadership is screwing over the common citizen, taxpayer and voter.

We will determine the future of my campaign this week as most of us seek legal counsel and how to take action against this obvious political maneuvering to oust certain candidates.  I've been told I am unintentional collateral damage.  That does not make it right nor make me feel better.  It is all total bullshit and I believe the Commissioners and the public know that fact.

If you’re just joining us, you can find Chapter 1 (Who is Russ “Wojo” Wojtkiewicz…), Chapter 2 (…the Brink of Change), Chapter 3 (The $1,500 Leap of Faith), Chapter 4 (Three Colors & The Secretary of State), and Chapter 5 (The Litton Effect) on my timeline. Today, we conclude the series with why I am standing before you today.
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The Friday Memo | Chapter 6: The Guardian Angels and the "Boring" Courthouse

As I look back at the journey from a Boeing security clearance in 1960 to the press rooms of Southwest Missouri, I realize I’m not standing here alone.

I have two "Guardian Angels" watching over this campaign. My father, Gene, taught me that a system is only as good as the honesty of the man running it. My late wife, Beth, knew the value of hard work, community, and the quiet strength required to see a long-term project through to the end. They are the voices in my ear reminding me that public service isn't about the person in the office—it’s about the people the office serves.

That legacy of precision and care continues with my son, Evan. As many of you know, he has built his own reputation in automotive restoration and history. He understands that if you don't respect the "bones" of a machine or the truth of a historical record, the whole thing eventually falls apart. That same Engineer’s mindset—the drive to preserve what works and fix what doesn't—is exactly what I’m bringing to the Platte County Clerk’s office.

So, what is my goal for the Courthouse? To make it "Boring."

In my world, "Boring" is a high compliment. It means the tax levies are calculated with mathematical certainty. It means the county’s permanent records are organized, accessible, and safe. It means the budget is transparent, the Commissioner’s minutes are impeccable, and the taxpayers aren't being asked to pay more for less service.

When a machine is running perfectly, you don’t hear it grinding. You don’t see it smoking. It just works.

I’m not running to be a "political star" or to sit at the "cool kids' table." I’m running to be the Clerk who shows up 100% of the time, treats every citizen with the same "Wojtkiewicz Standard" of respect, and ensures that the administrative engine of this county is running right, on time, and under budget.

I am Russ “Wojo” Wojtkiewicz, and I’m asking for your vote to bring common sense, engineering precision, and a lifetime of Missouri values back to the Platte County Courthouse.

Let’s get back to work.

#FridayMemo #PlatteCounty #WojoForClerk #TheFinalChapter #EngineerMindset #TheWojtkiewiczStandard #BoringIsBetter #ShowUpForWork

A Unifying Endorsement for Platte County

As my six-part biography series concludes tomorrow with the final chapter, I received the ultimate testament to professional integrity.

I am profoundly honored to receive the endorsement of former Presiding Commissioner Ron Schieber in my campaign for Platte County Clerk.

Many of you remember 2014, when Ron and I were primary opponents for Presiding Commissioner. Today, we stand together. Ron knows what this Courthouse needs—precise systems, fiscal discipline, and a leader who shows up 100% of the time.

Having the support of the leader I once challenged is a powerful signal of respect and unity for our county.

Thank you, Ron. Let’s get back to work.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 23, 2026

Former Platte County Presiding Commissioner Ron Schieber Endorses Russ “Wojo” Wojtkiewicz for County Clerk

PLATTE COUNTY, MO – Today, Republican candidate for County Clerk Russ “Wojo” Wojtkiewicz announced a major endorsement from former Presiding Commissioner Ron Schieber. The endorsement marks a significant moment of unity within the Platte County Republican base.

Schieber, who served as Presiding Commissioner from 2015 to 2022, and Wojtkiewicz were primary opponents in the 2014 election for the commission’s top seat.

“I have known Russ Wojtkiewicz for decades. I am supporting and voting for Russ for Platte County Clerk because he is a man of his word,” said Schieber.  “I know he will keep his promise to bring better transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility to the Clerks office for the citizens and taxpayers of our county. Join me and vote for Russ for Platte county clerk.”

Wojtkiewicz, a professional broadcast engineer with a background in complex media and data delivery systems, welcomed the endorsement.

"Ron Schieber set a high bar for fiscal responsibility in this county," said Wojtkiewicz. "To have his endorsement—especially given our history as competitors—shows that this campaign is about more than politics. It’s about ensuring that the Clerk’s office is run with the precision and transparency the taxpayers deserve."

Wojtkiewicz is currently concluding a six-part series titled "Who is Russ “Wojo” Wojtkiewicz and Why Does He Deserve Your Vote?" detailing his deep Missouri roots and technical qualifications. The final chapter will be released Friday, April 24th.

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If you’re just joining us, you can find Chapter 1 (Who is Russ “Wojo” Wojtkiewicz…), Chapter 2 (…the Brink of Change), Chapter 3 (The $1,500 Leap of Faith), and Chapter 4 (Three Colors & The Secretary of State) on my timeline. We are exploring the life lessons that built my Engineer's approach to serving as your County Clerk.
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The Wednesday Memo | Chapter 5: Campaign Matchbooks and the "Litton Effect"

In the spring of 1976, I was a fresh high school graduate, but I was about to get a PhD-level education in Missouri politics.

My father, Gene, was fed up. Our State Representative at the time was drawing a paycheck while only showing up for work about a third of the time. More importantly, he didn’t share the conservative, Republican values my father held dear. So, Dad did what he always did when a system was broken: he stepped up to fix it himself.

That August primary taught me a lesson I carry to this day: In politics, factors out of your control can change everything.

At the time, Congressman Jerry Litton from Chillicothe was the "rising star" of the Democrat Party. People across the state, including many Republicans, believed Litton was the next Truman—a future President from Missouri. Because of that excitement, the August 3rd primary saw a massive "crossover."

Thousands of Republicans, who would have normally supported my father's campaign, pulled Democrat ballots instead just to have a say in the Litton race. It was a strategic move that "hollowed out" the Republican turnout and ultimately led to my father’s failed attempt at the seat.

I still have some of the campaign matchbooks from that summer. They serve as a reminder that the "Cool Kids' Table" and the political "stars" often distract voters from the local offices that actually impact their daily lives. The tragedy of the Litton plane crash that killed Jerry Litton and his entire family on election night cast a long shadow over Missouri, but for me, the lesson was clear: Political maneuvers and "ballot strategy" can overshadow a candidate’s qualifications and work ethic.  Too many try to appear as the best Candidate when what really needs to be shown is who is the best Qualified to do the job they are campaigning for!

Today, I see similar games being played. I see candidates relying on name recognition, last minute filing shenanigans or "clique" endorsements rather than a record of showing up and actually doing the work. My father taught me to fight for values, not just for a seat. He taught me that if you’re going to draw a taxpayer-funded or private paycheck, you’d better show up 100% of the time.

Coming Friday in our Final Chapter: The Guardian Angels and the "Boring" Courthouse.

#WednesdayMemo #PlatteCounty #WojoForClerk #MissouriPolitics #JerryLitton #TheWojtkiewiczStandard #EngineerMindset #ShowUpForWork

If you’re just joining us, you can find Chapter 1 (Who is Russ “Wojo” Wojtkiewicz…), Chapter 2 (…the Brink of Change), and Chapter 3 (The $1,500 Leap of Faith) on my timeline. We’ve been discussing the ‘Wojtkiewicz Standard’ and the lessons in grit and logistics that shaped my career.

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The Monday Memo | Chapter 4: Three Colors, County Records, and the Secretary of State

By the early 1970s, the Lockwood Luminary wasn't just a 4-page flyer anymore. We had transformed it into a 24-page weekly powerhouse. As I mentioned in the last chapter, our Christmas edition was printed in three colors (Black, Red, and Green). In an era before digital printing, that was a high-wire act of mechanical precision.

But as the paper grew, so did our family's involvement in the "System" of Missouri.

The Lockwood Luminary was the "Paper of Record" for Dade county.  He won that county bid through bidding fair costs, honesty and proven record of delivering the legal postings accurately.  My father was also involved with the Missouri Press Association, as were almost all the newspapers in Missouri, eventually serving as its President. That role brought some of the state's most influential leaders into our orbit—most notably Jim Kirkpatrick, the legendary Missouri Secretary of State and whose family also owned a weekly paper in Warrensburg, Missouri, where I would eventually attend college.

I remember Jim Kirkpatrick well. He was the man responsible for the "Blue Book" (the Official Manual of the State of Missouri). He even stirred up a bit of a "technical" controversy by printing the Blue Book in Green to show off his Irish heritage!  He could really annoy bureaucrats and elected officials with great humor!

Meeting Kirkpatrick and others like Congressman Gene Taylor taught me a vital lesson: The "Public Record" is sacred. Whether it’s a newspaper of record or a County Clerk’s archive, the data belongs to the people. It has to be accurate, it has to be accessible, and it shouldn't be treated like a private club for "the cool kids."

In those days, the Clerk’s office and the local paper were partners in transparency. We didn't just print the news; we printed the truth of the record. My father made sure our 3,000 subscribers—sent to expats and family all over the world—knew exactly what their home town county and city government was doing.

I learned then that if you control the records, you have a duty to the citizens to be above reproach. It’s a standard I saw modeled by men like Kirkpatrick, and it’s a standard I intend to bring to the Platte County Courthouse.

Coming Wednesday in Chapter 5: Campaign Matchbooks and the "Litton Effect."

#MondayMemo #PlatteCounty #WojoForClerk #PublicRecord #Transparency #MissouriHistory #TheWojtkiewiczStandard #SystemsNotPolitics