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
Family: I am 62 years young and have been happily married for 36 years to my wife Noreen. Together we raised three sons: Pete, Nick, Nate.
Brief biographical background:
I have been a lifelong resident of St. Joseph, raised my family in this community, and, for much of my life, had the opportunity to participate in many civic organizations, enjoying years of past and present community involvement. I’ve been elected to five four-year terms as a city council member, been a member of the city fire board for 20 years, and served as a member of city organizations such as the planning commission, park board and the Area Planning and City Recreation associations. I have been a past leader in the local Cub and Boy Scout organizations, coached youth soccer, been a member of the Parochial Athletic Association, Jaycees and have volunteered on numerous community projects throughout the years.
Why are you qualified to serve as mayor?
Serving five terms as a city council member and having the opportunity to be a member of so many community organizations has provided me with a vast amount of experience and insight into working with many different people, on a variety of different projects. For the last three decades, I have gained hands-on knowledge, practical skills and experience in city management and community development. I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t, and I’ve gained the wisdom to separate the needs from the wants.
Please explain why having a mayor of the city is important?
A mayor plays a pivotal part on the council, listening to all the issues, compiling them and ultimately putting the process to a vote. It’s important at times for the mayor to speak as a single collective voice, serving in the best interests of the city and its residents. The mayor is tasked in part to identify realistic goals for the city of St. Joseph and to facilitate meaningful discussion about practical and obtainable objectives for public projects. A mayor aims to anticipate the future needs of the city and its residents, and seeks to foster productive and meaningful discussions, keep discussions on track and facilitate the decision-making process in a timely manner.
There has been much disagreement about the council’s one-time plan to build a new city hall that would include a community room. How can the council proceed without any more confusion about that issue? Why were there so many misunderstandings that led to that controversy?
Separate the issues. It’s apparent combining the immediate need of a larger city and police facility with a community center, which fulfills the desires and needs of the community into one project proposal, had its shortcomings – ultimately with the project not being implemented. I think it would be beneficial to first look at the real-time need for a larger city and police administrative facility, and revisit development ideas for a community center that would fulfill the expectations of community members and incorporate the wishes of the community.
How would you rate the relationships between the city, its residents and the two local colleges and college students? How could those relationships be strengthened?
I believe the relationships have improved immensely since the past, and today the relationship is as strong as ever. The city of St. Joseph is fortunate to have two institutions of higher learning at our doorsteps and the ability to tap into the immense resources they provide to our community. Open communication has always been encouraged, and various channels exist for university and city leaders to cooperate, consult, advise and discuss community projects pertinent to both stakeholders. Relationships are strengthened when individuals, groups and organizations socialize, recreate, educate and enjoy the amazing things everyone brings to this community. I encourage local residents to take advantage of the cultural, academic, athletic and spiritual offerings of our local institutions and encourage a greater spread of information about when, where and how these resources can be enjoyed. I also encourage city and academic leaders to explore the development of opportunities for young minds to gain real-world experience within city organizations, local businesses and other local entities through internships, workshops and community activism. There is no shortage of great ideas and opportunities for ways to strengthen our community relationship, improve our local community and benefit from the resources of each other.
Which services, if any, would you trim or eliminate entirely if a severe budget crises should happen?
At the most basic level the city of St. Joseph provides city residents with street, public safety, sewer and water services, as well as maintenance of community parks and facilities. With the implementation of these services, the city is managed in a manner that provides an adequate monetary reserve to weather fiscally challenging times. Every budget situation requires a unique approach, and at the root is either a revenue issue or expenditure issue. In the event of a severe budget crises situation a possible course of action, providing the situation warrants it, would be to freeze capital-improvement projects, address needs for future city projects, manage existing personnel hours such as overtime and address the needs and benefits of third-party advisor services the city utilizes. Ultimately, I would look at the specific situation and work toward the best possible solution addressing both the financial realities while continuing to provide the services city residents are accustomed to.
Loso
