by Dennis Dalman
Long-time service to St. Joseph as a council member and intense knowledge of the workings, policies and procedures of city government are the qualifications cited by Bob Loso in his bid for re-election to his city-council seat.
Loso is one of six candidates vying for two four-year terms on the council – the two seats now held by Loso and Troy Goracke, both of whom filed for re-election. Besides incumbents Goracke and Loso, the other candidates are Kelly Beniek, Carmie Mick and Mike Osterman. The two winners will be decided in the Nov. 3 election.
The St. Joseph Newsleader asked the candidates many questions about city-related issues. The following are Loso’s answers:
Background
Now retired, Loso worked as an instrumentation technician, a skill he acquired in his vocational education. He has 35 years of experience in city government.
Qualifications
“I have a good understanding of the budget system, the St. Joseph city ordinances and the current issues impacting the city and staff,” he said.
Loso spent a vast amount of time throughout the years to ensure the St. Joseph parks system was developed and maintained.
“I was instrumental in pushing forward with long-term plans so parks could continue to be funded,” he said. “Through my continued focus and support, the city’s infrastructure is in better shape and we are poised for growth.”
Challenge
Financial constraints, Loso said, are a continual challenge for the city.
“We have to continue to push to find other revenue sources while keeping the budget tight and focusing on living within our means.”
Virus crisis
“We have coped fairly well, considering the uncertainties and nearly constant change,” Loso said.
Community Center
When asked if he is happy with the community-center plan, Loso answered, simply, “No.”
New amenities
Loso said someday he would like to have an indoor swimming pool and small splash pads in St. Joseph.
Strengths, weaknesses
Loso listed St. Joseph’s strengths as strong focus on families, a good business climate, Christian values and places of worship.
For weaknesses, he mentioned poor communications with the College of St. Benedict and “the Monastery staff is not where it needs to be.”
Passionate ideas
“All issues and problems are very important to me if they concern our citizens and quality of life.”
Bob Loso
