Two St. Joseph residents are running unopposed for two city council seats in the November elections. They are Troy Goracke and Bob Loso. Loso is the only one who returned a questionnaire sent out by the Newsleaders. Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 8.
Bob Loso
Name (and family information, if you wish): Bob Loso
Why are you qualified to serve as a St. Joseph City Council member? Vast knowledge of St Joseph city operations gleaned from my years representing the people of St. Joseph on St Joseph city boards and the city council.
What are the biggest challenges as St. Joseph continues to grow? And what are the greatest strengths related to that growth? St. Joseph city operating expenses continue to increase while revenue does not keep pace. Increased growth does mean increased jobs, services and community vitality. This makes St. Joseph a great place to live and raise a family.
Which programs and services, if any, would you trim or eliminate entirely if a severe budget crisis should happen? This question is hard to answer since the city finances are currently solvent with reserve sufficient to cover any budget crisis. However if I need to choose a service I would trim, it would be personnel by choosing to not replace when attrition occurs.
Are you satisfied with the plans for the St. Joseph community center? What other amenities would you add to it if you could? No, I don’t believe there is a defined plan in place.
How would you rate the relationship between the city residents and the college students? Are there ways to improve that relationship, to make it stronger and more mutually beneficial? The relationship has improved throughout the years with fewer and fewer students now living in residential areas. Continue with opportunities for residents and students to interact in a friendly, casual and positive setting.
What are St. Joseph’s greatest strengths? What are its weaknesses? How would you improve the strengths and eliminate the weaknesses? Our greatest strength is our professional administrative staff. I don’t consider this a weakness, but we are challenged with a higher-than-average amount of tax-exempt business property that still requires significant services to support. Our administrative staff continues to need the support of the city council in decision-making, as well as opportunities for training and team-building. Continue promoting additional business development in St. Joseph and convince the college to participate in an equitable share of police- and fire-service expense.
Are taxes in St. Joseph too high, too low or just about right? If you think taxes are too high, how could they be reduced? The council and staff work diligently to keep taxes as low as possible while still providing services residents want.
Would you favor a branch library in St. Joseph, similar to the one in Waite Park? I don’t read books, but my wife wants a library. So if I want to stay happily married I will support this. Seriously though, I would really need to see the costs to make a better decision on this issue.
