Fiscal Friday: Why Come Out of Retirement?

I get asked this at every front door and every community event: "Wojo, you’ve had a great career, you’ve built a business, and you’ve earned your retirement. Why on earth are you running for County Clerk?"

The Answer: Because, like many of you, I am tired of being told to just "accept" mediocrity and insider deals.  When I saw the Salary Commission—including the incumbent Clerk—vote for a 30% salary increase for themselves while only leaving 2.5% for the actual county workers, it wasn't just a "political" moment for me. It was a professional insult.

In my 43 years of engineering and 30 years of running RBW, Inc., if I ran a system that prioritized the "bosses" that heavily over the customer and the staff, I wouldn't have stayed in business for a single year.  As your County Clerk, the taxpayers are my customers and will come first.

I didn't come out of retirement to find a "job." I came out of retirement to do a task.

• To analyze the Clerk’s office looking to bring efficiency and systems modernization to the office.
• To ensure tax rollbacks are calculated "to the penny" so assessment hikes don't become an unearned government windfall at your expense.
• To advocate for you, the taxpayer for better solutions regarding property taxes and mandated statutes.  The goal being a more property and business owner friendly county.

I’m not a career politician looking for a ladder. I’m a neighbor who is fed up and ready to work. If you’re tired of the status quo, join me. Let's get to work.

I want to hear from you. What is the one thing in Platte County government that has you 'fed up' or ready for a change today? Drop it in the comments. I'm taking notes, and I'm taking them to the Clerk's office on November 3rd.

#FiscalFriday #PlatteCounty #WojoForClerk #FedUp #AbsolutePrecision #August4 #NoMoreInsiders

Let's catch up on the events 250 years ago this year....
Compiled by Rachel Kautz

 1776 Calendar of Events  

January 10th: Common Sense anonymously published 

March 4th: Washington fortified Dorchester Heights

March 17th: The British fleet with all forces aboard left Boston

Wednesday Wisdom: It's a Long Way to August

They say a week is a long time in politics. In Platte County, we have about 20 of them until the Primary on August 4th.

A lot can happen between now and then. Polls will shift, flyers will fill your mailboxes, and "political season" promises will start flying. But real leadership isn't a 100-yard dash; it’s a marathon of integrity.

I’ve lived in Platte County for over 40 years. I’ve raised a family here and built a business here. I’m not running based on a snapshot of today's headlines—I’m running because I’ve seen the long-term need for Absolute Precision in our county government.

When you’re the lone engineer at a 100,000-watt radio station or managing a small business, you don't just look at the next hour; you look at the horizon. You prepare for the long haul. That’s the same tenacity I’ll bring to the County Clerk’s office.

It’s a long way to August, but I’m enjoying every step of the journey meeting all of you. Let's keep the focus on the future of Platte County!

#WednesdayWisdom #PlatteCounty #WojoForClerk #Stamina #Integrity #August4 #LongHaul

In the interest of complete transparency, here is my lifetime resumé that I would and have submitted for various employment opportunities.  I hereby submit my resumé for your consideration to hire me as your County Clerk.

 Absolute wonderful chilly day in downtown Parkville!  Met a bunch of great voters!  This is part of my team!  TEAM WOJO Ruled today!  God Bless Pat and Ginger O'Reilly.... Owners of the The Craic in Parkville!  And a shout out to Lisa at the bar, Avery our server!  Join us next year for the 4th annual St. Pat's Parade in Downtown Parkville!

 Monday Memo: County Tax issues and Why I Am Best Qualified To Be Clerk

In my quest to learn as much as I can about the real workings of Platte County government, I talk to key office holders and participants in County issues.  It has been most enlightening and I am learning each week that there is much room for improvement in your county government and how much is dictated by State Statutes.  The latter of which I will study, enforce and perform to the extent of the law and advocate in Jefferson City to reform statutes that hurt Platte County citizens.

A couple Fridays ago I personally met with our County Assessor Marcus Farr.  Assessor Farr just took over the Assessor’s office in September of 2025.  I inquired why assessments for both residential and commercial properties are being estimated to increase significantly.  This candidate personally received a letter informing me of an exterior appraisal to be performed because it appears my home property will be increased more than 15%, the threshold that triggers mandatory in-person appraisal.  I have also seen on-line published estimates of some Parkville commercial/retail properties assessments being tripled.  I believe this could be very harmful to the Platte County business economy.  Assessor Farr says he is working on all this and knows the potential harm it could cause.  We discussed how I could work with him, if I am elected, to roll levies back so that property owners and businesses would not be crushed with unacceptably high tax bills in 2027!

As Clerk, I won't just record the numbers; I will ensure the mandatory tax rate rollbacks are calculated to the penny so taxpayers get the relief the law requires.

I honestly do not know at this time just how much influence and authority I will have to come to the aid of you, the taxpayers.  What I do know is I will work hard, long hours, tap all the resources and legal aid I can and am which I am allowed and then advocate for our property owners and business community - especially the small business community!

I just wanted you to know I am aware of this pending tax issue Platte County is facing and I have already begun looking into solutions.  I have talked with other key folks on various sides of the tax issues, business owners and former and current county office holders as I ascertain the issues and look for solid solutions.  I will never claim to know all about the details of all the state statutes that apply to a County Clerk of a First Class County.  But I have dealt with such government regulations before.  Traversing all the rules of the Federal Communications Commission and adhering to required reports and performance tests of a 100,000 watt FM radio station.  Or all the taxation reporting, corporate filings, various local codes wherever in the nation I was working as a small business owner.  Fighting back when I believed the particular government agency was in error or misinterpreting their own statutes or regulations.  Proudly, I rarely lost!  If I didn’t know an answer or needed to seek higher authority, I looked, found and engaged to educate myself or get the issue resolved.  I promise to keep the same tenacity as your County Clerk.

My taxes are too high and I am sure your’s are also!  Let’s fight these issues by electing me your Platte County Clerk on November 3, 2026!  But first I need to win the current 3-way primary on August 4th.  Let’s fire those who voted themselves a 30% salary increase and send an over four decade resident of Platte County with actual experience and integrity to Platte City to serve as your County Clerk.  I am the real deal.  I have not made exaggerated claims about my resumé, work or experience history.  I will post my personal resumé in a future post coming soon.  I am proud of what I have accomplished in my life and the reputation I have built here in Platte County.  It’s been a great life that has also included some pain, loss and tribulation, all of which I believe prepares me to tackle the issues facing Platte County and bring stable, common sense, hard-working service to the citizens of Platte County as their County Clerk.

Hope to see many of you in Downtown Parkville for the 2nd Annual Parkville St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 9am starting in front of the Craic Irish Pub on Tuesday March 17th (Uh, that’s tomorrow!).  Layer up against the chilly temps, join TEAM WOJO and have a pint with us after.  Will look forward to meeting all of you!

Saturday Spotlight: Neighbor Helping Neighbor

Next Saturday, March 21st, I wanted to remind folks to join a great local tradition and help local folks in need. The Knights of Columbus Council #7199 will be hosting their 2nd installment of their 2026 food drive at St. Therese Parish, and the need in our community remains high.

As I’ve mentioned in my campaign, I believe government should serve the people—but often, the most effective "service" happens right in our parish parking lots and community centers.

📍 Where: St. Therese Parish (At the St. Vincent de Paul door) 

📅 When: Next Saturday, March 21st | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM 

📦 What to Bring: Non-perishable items like canned proteins, pasta, cereal, and peanut butter are always in high demand.

The Knights will also be accepting cash donations that will go directly to the St. Vincent de Paul Society to purchase food, or help clients with paying rent and utilities.

The St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry serves so many of our Platte County residents with emergency assistance. Whether you can bring a single bag of groceries or a whole trunk full, every bit helps ensure no neighbor is left behind.

The 10-day forecast says it’s to be a sunny 83º beautiful day next Saturday!  I’ll be dropping off my donation and would love to say hello if you’re stopping by. Let’s show the heart of Platte County!

#WojoForPlatteCounty #PlatteCountyStrong #CommunityService #KnightsOfColumbus #StTherese #GiveBack #PlatteCountyMO

 

FISCAL FRIDAY: The "Check and Balance" of the County Budget

In my 32 years as a business owner and systems engineer, I’ve learned that a budget is only as strong as the person auditing the data. For a Class 1 county like Platte, the County Budget Law (RSMo 50.525 to 50.660) creates a strict system of checks and balances.

As your County Clerk, I am the Chief Fiscal Officer, and here is why that matters for your wallet:

1. The Final Math: While the Budget Officer (County Auditor) prepares the document, the Clerk is the one who must ultimately certify the tax books. I will ensure that every levy is calculated with Absolute Precision so that the budget balances without over-taxing our residents.
2. Statutory Oversight: Under RSMo 51.150, I am responsible for keeping the "regular accounts" of the county. I don't just record the numbers; I verify that every dollar spent aligns with the approved budget.
3. The Warrant Gatekeeper: No money leaves the treasury without a warrant from the Clerk. If a request doesn't match the budget approved under RSMo 50.610, the "Watchdog" stops the check.

I’m running to be the technical expert who knows the statutes as well as the spreadsheets. Let’s move past the "rubber stamp" era and bring real accountability to Platte County.

#WojoForPlatteCounty #FiscalFriday #PlatteCountyClerk #Class1County #BudgetWatchdog #PlatteCountyMO #RSMo5115