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!