Joe Wszolek
Age: 58
Portage
Republican
Office sought: Porter County Council, At-large
Political experience: President, Porter County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals. Member, NIRPC 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan Committees. Served on various boards and commissions, including Zoning Appeals, Plan Commission, Wage & Benefits/Insurance Committee.
What prompted your decision to run for this office?: "How do we pay for..." has been a constant question. We've held over $160 million for five years and still don't have a long-term investment plan. I will work as a proactive leader who can help solve problems today and plan for meeting our needs of tomorrow.
Top three goals:
- Develop a level of trust and understanding between all members of the council and commissioners. It's critical that we respect each other's opinions without judgment and are willing to develop a consensus for options that meet the needs our citizens.
- Jointly (council and commissioners) develop a sustainable strategic plan that is built upon historical revenue and expenses. We must define and prioritize "essential government services" and allocate projected revenues accordingly.
- Jointly (council and commissioners) develop an economic development plan that recognizes the costs to government by land use type, creates an environment that encourages quality job growth and protects the quality of life of nearby property owners.
Why should voters choose you?: I have the optimal balance of experience and innovation, serve as a leader and always seek to improve the status quo. I've the strength to make at times unpopular decisions for the benefit of our citizens. I always listen to and consider all viewpoints.
What would you do on your first day in office?: I would begin with contacting my peers and asking to meet so we can get to know each other. Building trusting professional relationships is crucial so the people's business can be conducted in a manner that promotes trust in our government.
What else would you like to tell us?: I always live by: "Management is efficiency in climbing the ladder of success; leadership determines whether the ladder is leaning against the right wall." - Stephen Covey. Leadership also involves grooming the next generation to take over.
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