Note:Need to get another photo of Loso. The one submitted will not work.
Name: Robert (Bob) Loso (incumbent)
Age: 60
Family: Wife Noreen; sons: Pete, Nick, Nate
Employment: Material Handler – T.O. Plastics
Office Sought: Council Member
1. Please share your background and previous political experience:
Appointed to the Planning Commission 1988-1990
Elected to the City Council 1990-1994; re-elected 1994-1998; re-elected 1998-2002
Appointed to the Planning Commission Chair 2006-2007
Presently serving on the City Council 2008-2012
Present member of the Area Planning Organization
City Park Board Liaison
Member of the St. Joseph Community Fire Board
I am a lifelong resident of the St. Joseph community. I am one of seven sons of Mike and Flo Loso. My family has long been involved in the community, active both in the church and political organizations so I have a strong commitment to this community. I have been active in Boy Scouts, community groups such as the Jaycees and the Rec association and have volunteered for many other community projects especially while my children attended the St. Joseph Lab School. I continue to be committed to making St. Joseph a great place to live with my work on the City Council and various boards I am appointed to.
2. What is the city’s biggest issue?
Big dreams and little money to accomplish them have long plagued this city.
3. How do you propose to address this issue?
By using my common sense to help determine realistic projects for this city to spend our limited dollars on. To carefully review and make decisions based on what we really can afford to do while sustaining our existing tax base.
4. With plans to build a new government center, what would you like to see incorporated into the building?
At this time there is a separate committee meeting with the architects and the professional planners to come back to the council with a proposal. Personally I would like to see part of the building available to groups for community activities. I would also like to see the city offices redesigned in such a way to make it easier for the public to obtain information and the staff to disperse it. For example a public computer kiosk being available so that information like council minutes and ordinances could be searched and printed.
5. What suggestions do you have to improve the city’s downtown landscape and economic development appeal?
The future of St. Joseph’s economic development is in corridor 75 and the outlying industrial parks. Downtown St. Joseph is land poor and current businesses are social and service orientated. So future development is limited but I would like to see the same type of businesses continue while keeping the look and feel of our current small-town gathering place.