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

 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