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:
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
Wisdom Wednesday: The Heart and Soul of Platte County is at Stake
During a campaign, a candidate attends meetings almost all the time to get in front of folks and interact with them and other candidates. Monday evening I attended two such meetings. I gained great insight into how you, the voter, are sizing up the issues and what most concerns you.
And you, the electorate, are not at all happy with the current state of affairs in Platte County!
I hear often how expensive it is to live in Platte County. How taxes are increasingly burdensome and complaints of how several school districts just keep raising tax levies. Seniors are the hardest hit and I applaud the Commissioners for successfully expanding Senior tax relief. However, we now see a legal battle over the implementation of voter-approved taxes like the Children's Services Fund. This is why we need a Clerk who knows the statutes inside and out—to ensure that the law is followed and the taxpayer is always protected. Even some who call themselves Republican are trying to raise taxes. Add to this the rate of inflation, which is easing, but not nearly enough to date. The costs of energy are increasing dramatically and the Missouri Public Service Commission has failed to advocate for the Missouri consumer and solidly grants utilities nearly every rate increase the utilities propose. It has become increasingly difficult for retirees to live their retirement dream on a fixed income. Snowbirds are finding it unaffordable to spend time in warmer climates and still maintain their hard earned wealth and property here in Platte County to enjoy Spring to Fall.
While I can't stop an MPSC utility hike, I can ensure that at the county level, your tax levies are certified with Absolute Precision so not a penny more is taken than the law allows.
As your County Clerk, I will work very hard to know the state statutes, laws and regulations pertaining to tax levies, how assessments affect those levies, what authority a County Clerk actually has and can enforce. I vow to work closely with the Assessor, Collector and Treasurer in making sure all the governing rules are adhered to while also strongly advocating for you, the citizen and taxpayer. I am studying the specific state statutes that govern tax certification because a Clerk shouldn't just be a 'rubber stamp' for every levy increase.
There are many county issues that I have interest in and am keeping track of developments as we move forward. I will not swerve out of my lane as a candidate for County Clerk. I am a proven fiscal and social conservative. I am asking you to hire me! I firmly believe that government should serve the people. I work for YOU, the taxpayer.
#WojoForPlatteCounty #PlatteCountyClerk #WisdomWednesday #FiscalWatchdog #PlatteCountyMO #SeniorTaxRelief #PlatteCity #Parkville #Weston
