Wisdom Wednesday: The Engineer’s Rule

"An engineer is someone who can do for a dime what any fool can do for a dollar." — Arthur M. Wellington

In my 43 years as an engineer, I’ve lived by a simple rule: Efficiency is the highest form of respect.  When you design a system, you don't just throw money at a problem to make it go away. You look for the simplest, most effective way to accomplish the goal. If a system requires a 30% increase in "fuel" (salaries) but the output for the customer stays the same—or the "cost of operation" (your taxes) goes up by 7%—the system is broken. It’s "out of spec."

I’m not running for County Clerk to just "occupy an office." I’m running to apply Common Sense Engineering to our local government.

• We need an office that does more for you, for less.
• Your tax rollbacks and property records shouldn't be subject to "approximate" math or courthouse drama.
• It's about finding ways to save the taxpayer a dime, not finding ways to spend a dollar.

Watch: Why Hard Work Isn't About Quitting One Day

Take 23 minutes to watch this fabulous mashup from Mike Rowe talking with successful CEOs about the philosophy of leadership and discipline. These are the same ideals taught by the Kaufmann Foundation—principles I’ve strived to incorporate into everything I’ve done as a self-employed professional.

Size of the operation doesn’t matter. Intent and discipline do. Let’s stop the waste and start the recalibration.

Russ "Wojo" Wojtkiewicz Candidate for Platte County Clerk

#WisdomWednesday #WojoForClerk #SystemsEngineer #PlatteCounty #Efficiency #August4 #MikeRowe #MikeRoweWorks

 Monday Memo: The Math of Change

It’s a long way to August… and filing for county office closes in just one week, on Tuesday, March 31st. It will be interesting to see the final list of names—moving past the rumors to the actual candidates.

There are two sides to having so many challengers. On one hand, it’s great to see neighbors willing to sacrifice their time and resources to be public servants. On the other hand, political theory says that two challengers usually guarantee an incumbent win by splitting the "anti-incumbent" vote.

But I am counting on a more powerful theory: An informed electorate.

We are seeing a historic level of disillusionment with the status quo. Two incumbents have already dropped out—one citing the "lawfare" and vitriol that has plagued our courthouse, and another likely realizing the deep public backlash to that 30% salary hike.

I am one of at least two candidates who have decided to come out of retirement to help stabilize our county. I am personally fed up with the "embarrassing circus" we’ve seen unfold in Platte City. I want to bring professional, focused attention back to the Clerk’s office.

Together, we can bring a level of cooperation and efficiency to County government that—frankly—becomes boring. We can leave the "evening news" headlines to Jackson County!

My goal is simple: audit the office, follow the statutes of Missouri, and if those statutes don't serve you fairly, I will be your advocate in Jefferson City. We will not let a State commission run roughshod over our taxpayers while the Clerk’s office stays silent.

Please study the candidates. Educate yourselves on the issues. I’d love to meet you, answer your questions, and earn your trust.

#PlatteCounty #WojoForClerk #MondayMemo #SystemsNotPolitics #August

Saturday Spotlight: Enjoying a warm start to Spring

A friend and I went out to scout if Morel Mushrooms were beginning to pop up.  Of course, they are not, it is a bit early.  But with all these very warm days and nights, it was worth a morning’s walk in a local forest and my Morel spot to find out.

Morels are one of nature’s best gifts!  Such earthy, meaty flavors.  Hard to find, but provide such exhilaration when you do find one or a whole mess.  And walking out in nature brings one closer to our Creator and the wonder of his infinite wisdom and creation.

So enjoy this beautiful Spring and the coming Summer!  I’ll be busy walking doors and meeting thousands of my Platte County neighbors.  Let’s have fun, be blessed with what we have and enjoy life!  Let’s keep Platte County friendly, safe and beautiful!

 

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!