Easter - He Is Risen!

Today is Holy Saturday.  Sunday is the most holiest of days in Christendom - Easter.  The celebration of our Risen Lord and Savior.  It’s a time traditionally spent with family, enjoying large dinners and catching up.  Many attend church Saturday evening or Sunday morning and take in Easter Brunch at a local diner.  It is generally a joyous time celebrating when Jesus defied death, rose from the grave and embarked on finishing his ministry before ascending into heaven, saving us all from sin and an eternity in Hell.

I will be cooking dinner for my small family on Sunday.  The scratch egg noodles are ready for the broth.  The chicken is brining. Cooking brings me joy.  The weekend will be a needed break from campaigning or politics at all.  Perhaps take in some baseball or a March Madness Semi-final meeting with friends.

I had hoped to get to the forest again and search for those elusive morsels of God’s great earth - Morels, but the weather isn’t cooperating and we are still a week or so early for the season.  I felt blessed to have found 6 Morels last year.  The first time in about 45 years I had located any in the wild.  But then I had not gone out every year.  Just finding those few greatly lifted my spirits.  Walking in amongst God’s green earth, among the wildlife and flora is quite spiritual, relaxing and recharging.  Sure there lurks a slight chance of danger, but then that’s part of the excitement and fun, yes?  I feel like a walk in the woods is communing with God.  Escape to the woods is to me like being in a cathedral built by God. Quiet. Reverent.  The more you look, the more you see.  The noble birds of prey to the tiniest of insects.  All the wonders of life in all its forms.  All a wonder when you meditate upon this glorious place we live - Earth.

Praise God for this wonderful nation celebrating 250 years this year.  Our Judeo-Christian roots blessed this nation with the success, wealth and authority its citizens have earned and despite all who say otherwise, is still a beacon of Freedom and Opportunity!

May all have a Blessed and Wonderful Easter Weekend!  Be safe.  Enjoy the present as the past is done and the future has yet to arrive.  And send God a prayer of thanks.

Fiscal Friday: Citizens Deserve Better Transparency!

Several of your fellow Platte County citizens have filed to run for office to make our county government work for the hardworking citizen who pays their taxes and contributes to society.  As one of those who has filed, I am compelled to point out how the Clerk's office can be improved by my election.

Today, the County Administration Building is open—but the Clerk’s office is CLOSED. The reason given? To "process Senior Tax Credit applications." I sincerely want to know - WHY?

Senior Tax Credit applications ended on December 31st. That was over 90 days ago. Why the "crunch" now? The Clerk’s office has a staff of six full-time employees, including the elected Clerk. Why can’t six people manage applications during business hours?  What is efficient about closing the office and restricting citizen access to the Clerk’s office on such short notice?

Until we, the citizens, receive a more specific explanation for this closure, this appears to be a lack of competent leadership and a disregard for serving the citizens of Platte County.

Under my administration, the doors will stay open when at all possible, the systems stay on, and the taxpayers come first.

In my world, if a system can't handle a predictable load, you don't shut down the system—you upgrade the processor. On August 4th, Platte County has the chance to upgrade the leadership in the Clerk’s office.

#FiscalFriday #PlatteCounty #SystemsNotPolitics #WojoForClerk #OpenForBusiness #NoMoreSillySeason

 

 Fiscal Friday: The Audit of the "30% Club"

In four days, the filing window for a Platte County office will close. The names on the ballot will be set, but the numbers in the county ledger are already written in ink. As an engineer, I don't look at a budget as just a list of expenses—I look at it as a performance report.

If you were running a business or managing a household, would you approve these "specs"?

• A 30% salary increase for elected officials (including the incumbent Clerk).
• A meager 2.5% COLA for the hard-working county staff who keep the lights on.
• A 7% property assessment hike pushed through via a State MOU while the Clerk’s office remained silent.

As most engineers will tell you, a system that takes 30% more "input" while providing the same "output" is considered a failure or at least unjust expenditure of capital.  In Platte City, it is evidently considered standard government operating procedure.

I am running for County Clerk to end the era of “Apathetic Government."

1. I will fight for property tax rollbacks that are calculated to the penny, ensuring you only pay what is legally required—nothing more.
2. We will audit the office processes to find "friction" and waste. If we can do the job for a dime, why are we spending a dollar?
3. While others are caught up in "Email-Gate" and courthouse drama, I will be focused on the data.

By next Wednesday, the "rumor season" will be over and the real work begins. I’m ready to bring an engineer’s precision to the Clerk’s office. It’s time to stop the waste and start the recalibration.

Russ "Wojo" Wojtkiewicz Candidate for Platte County Clerk

#FiscalFriday #WojoForClerk #PlatteCounty #SystemsEngineer #TaxpayerAdvocate #August4 #NoMore30Percent

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!

 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

 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