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

 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

 Monday Memo: The "Chief Certifier"

In Platte County, the Clerk’s office is the "final checkpoint." While the Auditor prepares the budget, the Clerk is the official who must certify tax levies to the State and oversee the disbursement of your tax dollars.

It is a role that requires Absolute Precision and Technical Expertise.

For 32 years as a business owner and Systems Engineer, I’ve specialized in high-stakes environments where "close enough" isn't good enough. Whether it's certifying a levy or processing permits for local entrepreneurs, you deserve a Clerk who treats every county document with the same scrutiny an owner treats their own books.

My Modernization Goal: I will audit all permit applications and payment processes to move them into the 21st century. While some services (like liquor licenses) have finally moved online, government shouldn't be a "dinosaur" when it comes to technology.

I’m running to modernize our records systems and ensure the Courthouse "checkpoint" is as efficient, digital, and transparent as possible.

#WojoForPlatteCounty #PlatteCountyClerk #SystemsAccountability #PlatteCountyMO #GovernmentEfficiency #PlatteCity & #ParkvilleMO

Making the Courthouse the Center of Our Community Again

Happy Saturday, Platte County!

I was recently re-reading an insightful piece by Bill Graham in the Platte County Citizen about the history and future of our beautiful Courthouse. He captured something I’ve felt for a long time: our Courthouse should be more than just a place for tax assessments and legal proceedings—it should be a welcoming center for our community.

Bill made a few points that really hit home for me:

• History at the Forefront: Our post-Civil War structure is a treasure. We should be showcasing our history and our parks right there on the ground floor, making it a "positive attraction" for residents and visitors alike.
• A Friendly Ground Floor: Bill recalled the 80s and 90s when the ground floor felt more "friendly," with the County Clerk and other officials present and accessible.
• Removing the Barriers: While security is a modern necessity, we should strive to make the entrance to our "Justice Center" feel less like a hurdle and more like an invitation to engage with our local government.

The Watchdog Perspective: As your County Clerk, I don’t just want to audit the books; I want to audit the experience. I agree with Bill—we should move administrative offices back into the heart of the historic building and partner with our local historical societies to make the Courthouse a place of pride for every town from Parkville to Edgerton.

Our Courthouse is the "Heart of the County." Let’s make it beat for the citizens again.

Read Bill Graham’s full perspective here: http://www.plattecountycitizen.com/theplattecountycitizen/making-the-courthouse-the-center-of-the-community-once-again31102023

What are your favorite memories of the Courthouse Square? Do you agree it’s time to make the building more accessible and community-focused?

#SaturdayCommunity #PlatteCountyHistory #PlatteCity #OurCourthouse #Watchdog #CommunityFirst #PlatteCountyCitizen #PlatteCountyVeterans #ArmedServicesMemorial #HonorOurHeroes #LestWeForget #PlatteCityPride #MilitaryHistory #PlatteCountyCourthouse #WojoForPlatteCounty #IntegrityFirst #FiscalWatchdog

Who in your family served? My 41 years here have taught me that we owe it to these veterans to manage their tax dollars with the same integrity they showed in service.

Fiscal Friday: Leadership Starts at the Top, Not the Paycheck

As we wrap up a week of looking at the 2025 "tax challenges," one number stands out more than any other: 30%.

Last November, 60% of the voting Salary Commission (which includes the County Clerk) voted to increase the base pay for their own positions by 30%. To put that in perspective for the hardworking families of Platte County:

• The 30% Choice: While property assessments were being hiked by nearly 7% through a "Memorandum of Understanding," six officeholders decided their own roles were worth a massive salary jump.
• The 2.5% Reality: At the very same time, the front-line county employees—the people who actually process your paperwork, maintain our roads, and keep our community safe—were capped at a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment.

The Watchdog Perspective: In my 30 years as a business owner, I’ve learned that you don't reward the "Executives" with a windfall while the "Team" gets the bare minimum—especially when the "Customers" (you, the taxpayer) are feeling the pinch.  I was fortunate enough to be sponsored by my business bank to the Ewing Kaufman FASTTRAC program.  During that program we learned what good corporate ethics were and that Mr. Kaufmann believed that every employee contributed to the owner’s success!  And it was your duty, as an owner, to make sure the employees shared in the success of the company.  Marion Labs was renowned for making millionaires of their employees, including the custodial staff!  These lessons served me well attracting skilled labor to work for my company.

As your County Clerk, my focus will be on:

• Fairness for Staff: Ensuring our budget prioritizes the people doing the work, not just the people holding the titles.
• Fiscal Restraint: Standing against self-serving pay hikes that ignore the economic reality of our residents.  It will also compel me to look at the fiscal structure of the Clerk’s office to save the County General funds when and where state statutes allow.
• Transparent Budgeting: No more "quiet" votes on salary increases. You deserve to know how every dollar is spent.  While I am sure the meeting was open to the public, I was not aware it was going to take place.  I would do my best through use of cost effective social media and county resources to inform the public of meeting where decisions will be made that affect your tax dollars.

I’m running for Clerk to be a Watchdog, not to join a club that puts its own raises ahead of the people it serves.

Do you think a 30% raise for politicians is "conservative" when employees are capped at 2.5%? Let’s talk about it in the comments.

To get this message out, consider a donation to my campaign!!

https://secure.winred.com/wojtkiewicz-for-platte-county-clerk/donate-now

#FiscalFriday #PlatteCounty #TaxpayerFirst #Watchdog #PlatteCity #ParkvilleMO #Accountability #CountyClerk2026 #kaufmanfdn 

 Wisdom Wednesday: Was 2025 a "Challenge" or a Choice?

We’ve read that the incumbent claims that 2025 was the "most challenging tax year in history." But for Platte County taxpayers, the real challenge wasn't the paperwork—it was the price tag.

Let’s look at the "Wisdom" behind the decisions made at the Courthouse last year:

• The Assessment Hike: After failing to keep our county in compliance with state standards, the Courthouse "negotiated" a deal that raised your residential assessments by nearly 7% across the board. They called it a "victory." Most of us homeowners called it a state mandated tax hike without opportunity for appeal.  Such a hike should have been contested and delayed to a future assessment period to allow property owners their right to appeal.  Thus likely making the State Tax Commission mandate an illegal order, actually called a “Memorandum of Understanding “.  Hard for taxpayers to understand such an order.

• The 30% Raise: While taxpayers were being told to pay those new assessments, and tighten their personal budget belts, the six of the twelve Salary Commission members (including the Clerk) voted for a 30% pay raise for their own positions. Two of the members did not cast a vote either being absent or abstaining.  Meanwhile, hardworking county staff only saw a 2.5% cost of living increase.

• The Growing Office: With a tripling of the Clerk’s staff since 2022, there should have been adequate personnel to properly advocate for Platte County property owners and contest the State Tax Commission.

From a Watchdog Perspective: In business, when you triple your staff and the results are "unprecedented complications," a business owner doesn’t usually get to reward themselves with a 30% raise. Usually it has cost the business significant funds and you find a better, more efficient way to work and decrease costs and/or improve net revenues.

Platte County deserves a County Clerk who sees your tax dollars as a trust, not a slush fund. It’s time for a Watchdog.

What do you think? The Platte County Citizen has an excellent article after the vote for the salary increase took place. Was a 30% raise a “conservative increase" given the assessment hikes homeowners faced? How have assessment hikes affected your family budget? Let me know in the comments!

To satisfy the curious and those who appreciate accuracy and truthfulness, I have linked the original report from the Platte County Citizen below.  It details exactly who voted for the 30% increase and reactions from the elected who opposed the salary increase.

Do you feel like the officeholders were “conservatively” managing your money?

Read the full article here:   http://www.plattecountycitizen.com/theplattecountycitizen/officeholders-approve-30-salary-increase12112025

#WisdomWednesday #PlatteCounty #FiscalResponsibility #Watchdog #StopTheSpending #CountyClerk2026 #PlatteCity #ParkvilleMO #PlatteCountyCitizen

The Monday Memo: Why "Experience" Shouldn't Cost You 30% More

Happy Monday, Platte County!  Glad we are NOT getting the icy weather that had been predicted!

As we head into March, I want to address a word you’re going to hear a lot this election cycle: Experience. In business, experience is measured by results—better service, lower costs, and increased efficiency. But at the Courthouse lately, "experience" seems to be the justification for the opposite:

• 30% Pay Raises: Approved for incumbents while the rest of the county staff saw a fraction of that.
• Tripled Staffing: Since 2022, the Clerk’s office has grown significantly, yet taxpayers are still facing the most "challenging" administrative hurdles in our history.
• Reactive Leadership: Waiting for the State Tax Commission to mandate hikes instead of proactively protecting our local assessment values.

The way I see it: Experience is only valuable if it’s working for you. My 30 years of business experience has taught me that you don't solve challenges by expanding the payroll and raising your own salary. You solve them with discipline, technology, and a respect for the budget.

This week, I’ll be diving deeper into how we can return the Clerk's office to a "Service First" model that respects your wallet.

Let's make it a great week, Platte County!

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#MondayMemo #PlatteCounty #FiscalWatchdog #CommonSense #CountyClerk2026 #PlatteCity #ParkvilleMO

 Neighbors Helping Neighbors in Platte County 🤝

It was a privilege to stop by and support the Knights of Columbus Food Drive for St. Vincent de Paul this afternoon. I’ve been a member of the Knights since 1989 and a Past Grand Knight, I’m always reminded of the incredible generosity of our community.

Brother Knights volunteering today were Bill Robinette (Chairman), John Luna, Rusty Macy and Dave Tracewell as well as a few St. Vincent de Paul members.  The last KofC Council #7199 Food Drive netted 1,000 pounds of food and $1,600 in cash donations!  Way to go Brother Knights!

Our local food pantries are working hard to meet the needs of our neighbors, and every donation makes a difference.

Mark your calendars: If you missed today’s drive, you can drop off food items again on March 21st, 2pm to 4pm at St. Therese Parish for the St. Vincent de Paul pantry.

Let's keep looking out for one another, Platte County!

#PlatteCounty #CommunityService #StVincentDePaul #KnightsOfColumbus #NeighborHelpingNeighbor #PlatteCity #ParkvilleMO #StThereseParkville #StThereseParish #PlatteCounty #StVincentDePaul #KnightsOfColumbus

 Why the April 7th Election is a "Must-Vote" for Platte County

Now that I’ve officially filed for County Clerk, I’m focused on the issues that hit your wallet right now. On Tuesday, April 7th, we have two major decisions to make that will impact our cost of living here in Platte County.

Here is where I stand:

YES on the Homestead Property Tax: Our homeowners deserve a break. This measure helps prevent people from being priced out of their homes by runaway assessments by limiting property tax increases on primary residences at 5% or the rate of inflation for all homeowners, regardless of age.

NO on the KCMO 1% E-Tax: I strongly oppose the Earnings Tax. Your hard-earned money should stay in your pocket or support our local Platte County economy, not fund more government spending across the city and county lines!

The Clerk Connection: The County Clerk serves as the Secretary to the Board of Equalization.  If I am elected, I will use that seat to fight the "assessment creep" that makes these tax measures so necessary in the first place.  I am personally meeting with the Platte County Assessor to discuss the assessment process and what can be done to protect property owners.

Let’s send a message in April, and then let’s finish the job in August!

https://secure.winred.com/wojtkiewicz-for-platte-county-clerk/donate-now

Why I am Running: It’s Time for a Watchdog in the Courthouse

Now that I’ve officially filed for Platte County Clerk, I want to talk about why this race matters to your wallet.

The County Clerk is the Budget Officer for the county. That office should be the first line of defense against wasteful spending. Instead, over the last few years, we’ve seen:

• Staffing Surges: The office staff has nearly tripled since 2022.
• Luxury Upgrades: Your tax dollars are being used for high-end office renovations and furniture while residents face record-high assessments.
• Self-Serving Raises: A 30% pay raise for incumbents that was pushed through while taxpayers were struggling.

Platte County deserves better. I’m not a career politician. I’ve never held office aside from Republican Committee of the 12-3 sub-district. I’m a former business owner with 30 years of experience who knows that you don't solve problems by throwing more of other people's money at them.  As your Clerk, I will:

✅ Conduct a full audit of office staffing and expenses.

✅ Ensure every dollar is managed with professional discipline.

✅ Make the office truly accessible to the working public without adding more "bloat."

It’s time for maturity, common sense and communication at the courthouse. Let’s get to work.

Can you help us reach 100 shares today? Please Share this post to let your neighbors know that a watchdog is on the way!

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#PlatteCounty #FiscalResponsibility #Watchdog #StopTheSpending #CommonSense #CountyClerk2026 #PlatteCity #ParkvilleMO

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 IT’S OFFICIAL: Filed and ready to work for Platte County!

This morning, I officially placed my name on the ballot for Platte County Clerk. 

I am running because I believe the "nerve center" of our county government needs a leader who prioritizes maturity, transparency, and fiscal discipline. For too long, we’ve seen:

❌ Incumbents voting themselves 30% pay raises on your dime.

❌ An office staff that has tripled since 2022.

❌ Taxpayer money spent on luxury office renovations while your assessments skyrocket.

Enough is enough. As your next County Clerk, I won't be a rubber stamp for spending. I will be your watchdog. I am committed to a "Service-First" office that is accessible to the working public and respectful of every tax dollar.

Platte County is my home, and I’m honored to take this step toward restoring common sense to our courthouse.

How you can help today:

1️⃣ Like & Share this post to spread the word!

2️⃣ Follow this page for weekly updates on how we’re going to fix the Clerk's office.

3️⃣ Join the team: https://secure.winred.com/russ-for-platte-county/

Let’s bring accountability back to Platte County!

#PlatteCounty #FilingDay #PlatteCity #ParkvilleMO #FiscalResponsibility #CommonSense #CountyClerk2026