Platte Valley Politics

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 May 2026 19:17:09 +0000

𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 | 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 & 𝐓𝐚𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬

As an engineer, I look at government through the lens of efficiency and access. If the public cannot access the system because information is hidden behind an artificial barrier, then likely the system is broken.

Lately, concerned citizens have reached out to me regarding a disturbing trend: Platte County public information and official commission data are being actively obscured behind county website firewalls. These citizens have been contacting the Commissioners and County Clerk. The Commissioners are not obligated to act but are being informed. The County Clerk appears to not be sharing public information freely or allowing access to it on the County website.

Let's look at the fiscal reality of this system failure:

Taxpayer Funded: The county website and IT infrastructure are paid for entirely by your tax dollars. You bought the system.
The Compliance Cost: When elected offices use tech permissions to hide public information or make public agendas harder to access, they aren’t just failing at transparency—they are actively risking costly Sunshine Law and Missouri Statute violations that you, the taxpayer, have to foot the bill for.

A citizen should never have to submit an expensive open-records request just to see records declared public information.

We don't need digital gatekeeping or weaponized departments in the courthouse. We need an administrative hub that treats public records as public property. On Day One, we will audit our digital systems to ensure the taxpayer has unhindered, seamless access to the information they already paid for.

#WojoForClerk #FiscalFriday #PlatteCounty #TaxpayerFirst #OpenData

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 27 May 2026 15:48:19 +0000

𝐖𝐢𝐬𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 | 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

I just returned from my 16th consecutive year at the Indianapolis 500, witnessing the closest finish in 110 years of racing history—decided by a mere 0.0233 seconds after 70 lead changes. The patriotism exhibited pre-race and by the crowd of 400,000 is simply amazing and very moving. During the presentation of colors, twenty-one gun salute and playing of TAPS, you can literally hear a pin drop as that huge crowd goes absolutely quiet in reverence and respect for all who gave their lives for this great nation and what the weekend of Memorial Day is really all about. I admit I shed tears every year at that moment. If feels like a nation comes together.

When a race is that tight, you realize something fundamental: The rules, the boundaries, and the data are the only things keeping the system from descending into pure chaos. Drivers cannot ignore a race car’s mechanical limits. Teams cannot violate the technical specifications of the rulebook without facing instant disqualification.

The same applies to our local governance and political organizations right here in Platte County.

Bylaws aren’t suggestions. Statutory rules are not mere guidelines. When leaders and organizations decide the rules don't apply to them—or when they use their positions to tilt the playing field and promote favoritism—the institution breaks down. Trust disappears. We are seeing this play out this week with local political organizations.

A reliable system requires leaders who respect the framework they were elected to uphold. Whether it's the track at Indy, a local political club, or the County Clerk’s office, operational integrity means playing strictly by the book. No exceptions. No shortcuts.

#WojoForClerk #PlatteCounty #WisdomWednesday #ByTheBook #OperationalIntegrity

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 18 May 2026 15:10:39 +0000

𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨 | 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲

Platte County taxpayers don’t just deserve an administration that shows up; they deserve a system that works openly, reliably, and without internal friction.

Over the last few days, our small, disciplined team walked hundreds of doors this past week. I am sure most campaigns are now. When we talk to voters on their porches, the message we hear back is loud and clear: people are tired of courthouse chaos, petty gatekeeping, and officials who treat public service like a personal game and rising, out of control taxation.

Here is the structural truth: A government building should operate with the precision of a well-designed blueprint. When public access to information becomes a battlefield, or when transparency is treated as an afterthought, the foundational trust between the county and the citizens collapses.

The County Clerk’s office isn't a platform for personal drama or backroom shifts. It is the administrative hub of our county. It requires an engineer’s eye to ensure that every document and every public record is fully accessible, strictly legal, and completely protected from internal politics. A citizen should not have to submit sunshine requests for public information.

We are running a campaign built on measurable results, not rhetoric. We are knocking doors, reviewing statutes, and preparing to bring a reliable, efficient—and yes, beautifully boring—standard of absolute excellence back to our local government. I want to improve tech systems, make it easier for the citizen and the taxpayer.

Thank you to the incredible volunteers and conservative leaders who are driving this momentum forward. The blueprint is set, and the horsepower is real.

#WojoForClerk #PlatteCounty #TransparencyInGovernment #BoringEfficiency

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 11 May 2026 20:30:00 +0000

Monday Memo | Back to the Mission

I apologize for the delay in my "1776" series this weekend, I hope you read this morning’s post. As many of you know, last Monday was a pivotal day at the Courthouse. But as we start this new week, the mission hasn't changed.

While the news is still buzzing about candidate withdrawals and County Republicans censoring candidates declaring Independent campaigns, our campaign is moving forward with clarity. I am officially on the ballot, I am vetted, and I am the only candidate in this race with the engineering background required to audit and stabilize our county’s complex administrative systems.

This week, we are moving from the Courthouse to the community.

Our team is gearing up for a season of door-knocking and meeting you, the voters
I will continue the deep dive into the Missouri Statutes to ensure the Clerk’s office works for the people, not the other way around.

Platte County doesn't need more "shenanigans." It needs a standard of excellence.

Help us reach 100 followers! If you want precision at the Courthouse, please share this post and invite a neighbor to follow our progress.

#MondayMemo #PlatteCounty #WojoForClerk #TheWojtkiewiczStandard #VettedCandidate #Stability #Election2026 #PlatteCountyCourthouse #PlatteCity

We need your help! Join our team and donate to our campaign to bring commons sense governing back to the Platte County Courthouse!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 11 May 2026 14:03:10 +0000

Events in 1776 - 250 Years Ago

Two-Hundred and Fifty Years ago our country was being birthed. My good friend and fellow conservative Rachel Kautz put together a calendar of events that happened in 1776.

May 10, 1776 - Congress passed a resolution for the Colonies to form new governments

56 brave souls signed the Declaration of Independence, putting their lives on the line. Several did lose their lives. They lost property. Their families were harassed and threatened and arrested by the British. But all these men and their families knew the worth of their courage and if successful, what it would mean to the colonists and to the world at large. Ponder our history and the sacrifices made by our founders which include all who backed and fought for our Independence. When you light those fireworks, listen to the great music, enjoy the festivals throughout this year, remember what it took so we could live FREE.

Thus I ask, would you do the same today to save the United States? To protect your neighbors? To give your descendants a free and secure society, full of opportunity? I fear many would not just as many backed the British in 1776. Our country is being ripped apart from the inside. If we do not stand up and resist those who promote socialism and the evil of anti-semitism, they will succeed in making society fully dependent on the government and prohibit private ownership of property and wealth. But those who promote such division themselves enjoy and desire all they want to destroy - they want to be the owners and overlords and amass all the wealth.

Beware and be vigilant. 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑖𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑦 𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑏𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑎𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑡𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑦𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑠. - Thomas Jefferson, 1787.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 08 May 2026 19:03:00 +0000

Fiscal Friday: The Cost of Chaos vs. The Value of Precision

Stability is a Taxpayer Asset

Platte County has seen a whirlwind of administrative changes this week. Four candidates for county-wide office have withdrawn and changing party affiliations, and just days ago, I was successfully defending my own place on the ballot against an eleventh-hour disqualification attempt.

Here is the Fiscal Truth: Chaos is expensive.

When county offices are bogged down in "traps," statutory confusion, and last-minute legal maneuvers, it’s the taxpayers who pick up the tab. Administrative errors lead to:

Legal Fees: Defending or prosecuting disqualification attempts.
Operational Waste: Re-printing, re-filing, and re-certifying documents.
Economic Uncertainty: Business and residents thrive on stability, not a courthouse in flux.

The Wojtkiewicz Standard is built on the belief that the County Clerk’s office should be the "Quiet Engine" of the courthouse. It shouldn't be a source of drama; it should be a source of data.

As a professional engineer, I’ve spent my career ensuring that systems work the first time, every time. By standing my ground this week and relying on Missouri Statutes to prove my compliance, I didn't just save my candidacy—I stood up for a system that works correctly without costing the taxpayers extra for "do-overs."

Precision isn't just a technical preference; it’s a fiscal necessity.

Let's get back to the business of efficient government.

#FiscalFriday #PlatteCounty #WojoForClerk #TaxpayerValue #AdministrativePrecision #TheWojtkiewiczStandard #StabilitySavesMoney

Now that the facts have been established and my place on the ballot is secure, my team and I are heading to your doorstep to hear what you want from your county government. No more courthouse drama—just a commitment to the work. Do you, the voter, believe change is needed within the Platte County Courthouse? Leave your comments letting me know what you think!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 06 May 2026 17:10:00 +0000

Wisdom Wednesday | The Strength of the Facts

This week, several questions were raised regarding candidate filings in Platte County. It was a moment that required a deep breath, a sharp eye, and a commitment to the truth of the law.

Leadership isn't about being the loudest person in the room; it’s about being the most prepared.

When my own filing was questioned, I didn't respond with rhetoric. I responded with research. I spent hours in the Missouri Statutes, bringing forward the facts and evidence necessary to ensure the integrity of our ballot. I am grateful to our two District Commissioners, who took the time to look deeper, ask the hard questions, and ultimately conclude that protecting the rights of candidates—and the choices of voters—was the only correct path forward.

While the Presiding Commissioner held a different view, the process worked because we relied on data over drama. I contacted the Commissioners on Tuesday (yesterday May 5th - Happy Cinco de Mayo!), to thank them for allowing me to speak as long as I needed, state my case and address all of you who attended such an important County Government meeting. I also contacted the Board of Elections asking several election questions and trying to get to the bottom of the confusing instructions. It shocks me that the Board of Elections is claiming it was all their fault for changing the filing requirement instructions. And yes, I remain skeptical and at some point in time the truth will be revealed. But that issue will not distract me from my campaign to convince the voters of Platte County that I am the most capable candidate in the race for County Clerk.

I am humbled to still be in this race, and I am more committed than ever to bringing that same "Engineer’s Mindset" to the Clerk’s office. If we can apply this level of scrutiny and statutory research to a filing discrepancy, imagine what we can do for our county’s tax levies and public records.

I want to give an example of how I think and work. I shouldn’t tell this on myself, but when I had 2,000 post cards made for handouts, I made a glaring spelling error in large type across the top of the back of the card. Well, first thoughts were I would have to eat that cost and order more cards or new door hangers. But the simple $30 solution was sheets of thin blank Avery labels printed through my laser printer and simply stuck over the errant line. $30 versus $200. I am that frugal with your campaign donation funds and will be even more with your tax dollars!

I am standing my ground for you, because Platte County deserves a Clerk who knows the rules, follows the facts, and never stops working for the best interest of the taxpayers. I stood my ground because I felt the voters of Platte County would be the losers if 6 candidates were disqualified due to the circumstances. I promise to equally fight for you in the matters that may come before me as Platte County Clerk.

The work continues. Please join me in our campaign!

Click on the QR code to donate to my campaign!

#WisdomWednesday #PlatteCounty #WojoForClerk #Integrity #MissouriStatutes #TheWojtkiewiczStandard #LeadWithFacts

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 05 May 2026 16:46:00 +0000

“𝐺𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑠 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑣𝑖𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑚𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑜𝑐𝑟𝑒 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑠.”

― Albert Einstein

I will have more of a post on Wednesday as we move forward with the campaign, but just wanted everyone to know that we survived being disqualified as the County Commission voted 2-1 against disqualification for all 7 candidates who were on the agenda for disqualification. District 1 Commissioner Berberich and District 2 Commissioner Vanover voted against disqualifying the candidates.

The voters of Platte County are the real winners! But there is much political aligning and maneuvering going on. Four candidates withdrew from their campaigns before the Monday morning Commission meeting - Kevin Robinson Auditor (re-election); Holly Cayer Collector Candidate; Chris Kendall Treasurer (interim to finish term); Dale Brouk Presiding Commissioner Candidate.

It is said that 3 of these candidates are or have changed from their declared Republican Party affiliation to declaring as Independents and will gather petition signatures and run as independents in the General Election in November. We will see who actually refiles or runs by July 27th.

What a crazy election season folks. This has been very stressful for all of us involved and accused of not filing properly with the Platte County Clerk. I can assure you I will everything in my power if elected your County Clerk to avoid any more confusion or disqualification actions except if and when it actually happens and can be factually documented. I will be helpful for any candidate, no matter party affiliation, to make sure they comply with the rules. I will also offer my assistance in updating or changing the rules to clarify and make it easier to participate in local government.

The campaign will kick back in within a few days once we have recharged our souls, take stock where we are and move forward spreading our message of stability, accuracy and collegial respect between all county offices.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 02 May 2026 16:28:00 +0000

“𝐴𝑛𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑜 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑛𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑎 𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑛𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑛𝑒𝑤.”

― Albert Einstein

This hat may become a collector's item for 4 lucky folks!

I'm sure you've all seen the headline or lower TV crawl stating "Platte County looks to remove 7 candidates from the ballot". It's going to be big news come Monday afternoon following the County Commission meeting when and if the Commission carries through with disqualifying 7 county candidates, including yours truly.

This all stems from confusing instructions regarding filing a required Personal Financial Disclosure (PFD) document with the Missouri Ethics Commission and the County Clerk. 6 candidates read the instructions the same and followed them with good intent. It also appears that a County Ordinance is trying to supersede State Statutes and law.

But Thursday the disqualification orders were drawn up and sent to all affected candidates on Friday. The one candidate who may actually have earned getting disqualified is Auditor Kevin Robinson who is an incumbent running for re-election. He apparently did not file with the Missouri Ethics Commission by the required date, filing with both the MEC and the County Clerk on April 28th or 29th.

I could state my case why I think the 6 of us, both Republican and Democrat, are unworthy of this punishment, but instead, I urge all to attend Monday morning's Commission Meeting at the courthouse in Platte City. The meeting begins at 9:30am and is scheduled to go until 11:30am. I suggest arriving shortly after 9am to sign up to testify is you wish to have your voice heard.

I plan on restating my case and airing my grievances with this whole ugly affair. But as of today, Saturday, it appears that all 7 candidates will likely be disqualified thus causing 4 county offices to be decided by a Commission action without one vote being cast by the electorate for any candidate. There is some conversation about filing being reopen, but that may also only affect the offices where the incumbent was removed, withdrawn or disqualified. The 4 offices affected are Presiding Commissioner, Auditor, Collector and Treasurer. The Auditor and Treasurer have incumbents. The Clerk's race would still have 2 Republican candidates and a Democrat candidate. So doubtful the Clerk and Collector would be reopened for filing. But the rules are not clear and this author has not received clarification on the matter.

How unfair do you all feel this is and might be? I find it terribly offensive. Not just because of the work, time and money I have raised and spent to run for County Clerk thus far, but that voters of Platte County potentially have no vote or voice in selecting who will govern them. There is no satisfaction in winning an office in that manner.

The campaign is suspended until the outcome of Monday's meeting is determined. The saddest fallout from all this is the betrayal of whom I thought were political allies. Politics is mean and fickle. I knew that and that Missouri mule has kicked me in the gut a few times this past week. Politics has become so divisive. All of us in this arena should be working to unify. To find common ground where we can and debate civilly when we cannot. We need to find solutions, not winner take all at any cost. This is why most citizens want nothing to do with politics and become apathetic and do not pay attention to how any stripe of elected leadership is screwing over the common citizen, taxpayer and voter.

We will determine the future of my campaign this week as most of us seek legal counsel and how to take action against this obvious political maneuvering to oust certain candidates. I've been told I am unintentional collateral damage. That does not make it right nor make me feel better. It is all total bullshit and I believe the Commissioners and the public know that fact.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 17:25:00 +0000

If you’re just joining us, you can find Chapter 1 (Who is Russ “Wojo” Wojtkiewicz…), Chapter 2 (…the Brink of Change), Chapter 3 (The $1,500 Leap of Faith), Chapter 4 (Three Colors & The Secretary of State), and Chapter 5 (The Litton Effect) on my timeline. Today, we conclude the series with why I am standing before you today.
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The Friday Memo | Chapter 6: The Guardian Angels and the "Boring" Courthouse

As I look back at the journey from a Boeing security clearance in 1960 to the press rooms of Southwest Missouri, I realize I’m not standing here alone.

I have two "Guardian Angels" watching over this campaign. My father, Gene, taught me that a system is only as good as the honesty of the man running it. My late wife, Beth, knew the value of hard work, community, and the quiet strength required to see a long-term project through to the end. They are the voices in my ear reminding me that public service isn't about the person in the office—it’s about the people the office serves.

That legacy of precision and care continues with my son, Evan. As many of you know, he has built his own reputation in automotive restoration and history. He understands that if you don't respect the "bones" of a machine or the truth of a historical record, the whole thing eventually falls apart. That same Engineer’s mindset—the drive to preserve what works and fix what doesn't—is exactly what I’m bringing to the Platte County Clerk’s office.

So, what is my goal for the Courthouse? To make it "Boring."

In my world, "Boring" is a high compliment. It means the tax levies are calculated with mathematical certainty. It means the county’s permanent records are organized, accessible, and safe. It means the budget is transparent, the Commissioner’s minutes are impeccable, and the taxpayers aren't being asked to pay more for less service.

When a machine is running perfectly, you don’t hear it grinding. You don’t see it smoking. It just works.

I’m not running to be a "political star" or to sit at the "cool kids' table." I’m running to be the Clerk who shows up 100% of the time, treats every citizen with the same "Wojtkiewicz Standard" of respect, and ensures that the administrative engine of this county is running right, on time, and under budget.

I am Russ “Wojo” Wojtkiewicz, and I’m asking for your vote to bring common sense, engineering precision, and a lifetime of Missouri values back to the Platte County Courthouse.

Let’s get back to work.

#FridayMemo #PlatteCounty #WojoForClerk #TheFinalChapter #EngineerMindset #TheWojtkiewiczStandard #BoringIsBetter #ShowUpForWork

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:56:00 +0000

A Unifying Endorsement for Platte County

As my six-part biography series concludes tomorrow with the final chapter, I received the ultimate testament to professional integrity.

I am profoundly honored to receive the endorsement of former Presiding Commissioner Ron Schieber in my campaign for Platte County Clerk.

Many of you remember 2014, when Ron and I were primary opponents for Presiding Commissioner. Today, we stand together. Ron knows what this Courthouse needs—precise systems, fiscal discipline, and a leader who shows up 100% of the time.

Having the support of the leader I once challenged is a powerful signal of respect and unity for our county.

Thank you, Ron. Let’s get back to work.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 23, 2026

Former Platte County Presiding Commissioner Ron Schieber Endorses Russ “Wojo” Wojtkiewicz for County Clerk

PLATTE COUNTY, MO – Today, Republican candidate for County Clerk Russ “Wojo” Wojtkiewicz announced a major endorsement from former Presiding Commissioner Ron Schieber. The endorsement marks a significant moment of unity within the Platte County Republican base.

Schieber, who served as Presiding Commissioner from 2015 to 2022, and Wojtkiewicz were primary opponents in the 2014 election for the commission’s top seat.

“I have known Russ Wojtkiewicz for decades. I am supporting and voting for Russ for Platte County Clerk because he is a man of his word,” said Schieber. “I know he will keep his promise to bring better transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility to the Clerks office for the citizens and taxpayers of our county. Join me and vote for Russ for Platte county clerk.”

Wojtkiewicz, a professional broadcast engineer with a background in complex media and data delivery systems, welcomed the endorsement.

"Ron Schieber set a high bar for fiscal responsibility in this county," said Wojtkiewicz. "To have his endorsement—especially given our history as competitors—shows that this campaign is about more than politics. It’s about ensuring that the Clerk’s office is run with the precision and transparency the taxpayers deserve."

Wojtkiewicz is currently concluding a six-part series titled "Who is Russ “Wojo” Wojtkiewicz and Why Does He Deserve Your Vote?" detailing his deep Missouri roots and technical qualifications. The final chapter will be released Friday, April 24th.

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noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:45:00 +0000

If you’re just joining us, you can find Chapter 1 (Who is Russ “Wojo” Wojtkiewicz…), Chapter 2 (…the Brink of Change), Chapter 3 (The $1,500 Leap of Faith), and Chapter 4 (Three Colors & The Secretary of State) on my timeline. We are exploring the life lessons that built my Engineer's approach to serving as your County Clerk.
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The Wednesday Memo | Chapter 5: Campaign Matchbooks and the "Litton Effect"

In the spring of 1976, I was a fresh high school graduate, but I was about to get a PhD-level education in Missouri politics.

My father, Gene, was fed up. Our State Representative at the time was drawing a paycheck while only showing up for work about a third of the time. More importantly, he didn’t share the conservative, Republican values my father held dear. So, Dad did what he always did when a system was broken: he stepped up to fix it himself.

That August primary taught me a lesson I carry to this day: In politics, factors out of your control can change everything.

At the time, Congressman Jerry Litton from Chillicothe was the "rising star" of the Democrat Party. People across the state, including many Republicans, believed Litton was the next Truman—a future President from Missouri. Because of that excitement, the August 3rd primary saw a massive "crossover."

Thousands of Republicans, who would have normally supported my father's campaign, pulled Democrat ballots instead just to have a say in the Litton race. It was a strategic move that "hollowed out" the Republican turnout and ultimately led to my father’s failed attempt at the seat.

I still have some of the campaign matchbooks from that summer. They serve as a reminder that the "Cool Kids' Table" and the political "stars" often distract voters from the local offices that actually impact their daily lives. The tragedy of the Litton plane crash that killed Jerry Litton and his entire family on election night cast a long shadow over Missouri, but for me, the lesson was clear: Political maneuvers and "ballot strategy" can overshadow a candidate’s qualifications and work ethic. Too many try to appear as the best Candidate when what really needs to be shown is who is the best Qualified to do the job they are campaigning for!

Today, I see similar games being played. I see candidates relying on name recognition, last minute filing shenanigans or "clique" endorsements rather than a record of showing up and actually doing the work. My father taught me to fight for values, not just for a seat. He taught me that if you’re going to draw a taxpayer-funded or private paycheck, you’d better show up 100% of the time.

Coming Friday in our Final Chapter: The Guardian Angels and the "Boring" Courthouse.

#WednesdayMemo #PlatteCounty #WojoForClerk #MissouriPolitics #JerryLitton #TheWojtkiewiczStandard #EngineerMindset #ShowUpForWork

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:25:00 +0000

If you’re just joining us, you can find Chapter 1 (Who is Russ “Wojo” Wojtkiewicz…), Chapter 2 (…the Brink of Change), and Chapter 3 (The $1,500 Leap of Faith) on my timeline. We’ve been discussing the ‘Wojtkiewicz Standard’ and the lessons in grit and logistics that shaped my career.

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The Monday Memo | Chapter 4: Three Colors, County Records, and the Secretary of State

By the early 1970s, the Lockwood Luminary wasn't just a 4-page flyer anymore. We had transformed it into a 24-page weekly powerhouse. As I mentioned in the last chapter, our Christmas edition was printed in three colors (Black, Red, and Green). In an era before digital printing, that was a high-wire act of mechanical precision.

But as the paper grew, so did our family's involvement in the "System" of Missouri.

The Lockwood Luminary was the "Paper of Record" for Dade county. He won that county bid through bidding fair costs, honesty and proven record of delivering the legal postings accurately. My father was also involved with the Missouri Press Association, as were almost all the newspapers in Missouri, eventually serving as its President. That role brought some of the state's most influential leaders into our orbit—most notably Jim Kirkpatrick, the legendary Missouri Secretary of State and whose family also owned a weekly paper in Warrensburg, Missouri, where I would eventually attend college.

I remember Jim Kirkpatrick well. He was the man responsible for the "Blue Book" (the Official Manual of the State of Missouri). He even stirred up a bit of a "technical" controversy by printing the Blue Book in Green to show off his Irish heritage! He could really annoy bureaucrats and elected officials with great humor!

Meeting Kirkpatrick and others like Congressman Gene Taylor taught me a vital lesson: The "Public Record" is sacred. Whether it’s a newspaper of record or a County Clerk’s archive, the data belongs to the people. It has to be accurate, it has to be accessible, and it shouldn't be treated like a private club for "the cool kids."

In those days, the Clerk’s office and the local paper were partners in transparency. We didn't just print the news; we printed the truth of the record. My father made sure our 3,000 subscribers—sent to expats and family all over the world—knew exactly what their home town county and city government was doing.

I learned then that if you control the records, you have a duty to the citizens to be above reproach. It’s a standard I saw modeled by men like Kirkpatrick, and it’s a standard I intend to bring to the Platte County Courthouse.

Coming Wednesday in Chapter 5: Campaign Matchbooks and the "Litton Effect."

#MondayMemo #PlatteCounty #WojoForClerk #PublicRecord #Transparency #MissouriHistory #TheWojtkiewiczStandard #SystemsNotPolitics

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:29:00 +0000

If you’re just joining us, you can find Chapter 1 (Who is Russ “Wojo” Wojtkiewicz…) and Chapter 2 (… the Brink of Change) on my timeline, where I discuss the ‘Wojtkiewicz Standard’ and the lessons that shaped my life and career.
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The Friday Memo | Chapter 3: The $1,500 Leap of Faith and the Lockwood Luminary

By late 1966, my family was at a breaking point. My father, Gene, realized that full-time college was not the path forward for our family’s survival. Between the bills, the sickness, and the exhaustion of working in the press room and the newspaper office in Bolivar, a change wasn't just needed—it was a necessity.

Then came what I can only describe as Divine Intervention.

The owners of the Bolivar paper my folks worked for also owned a struggling, 4-page weekly in Lockwood, Missouri—a small town of about 800 people. Koil and Molly Rowland, the owners, simply could not justify having multiple weekly newspapers. They planted the idea seed and offered the Lockwood Luminary to my father. For the "princely sum" of $1,500 (yes, that is sarcasm), my father went into business for himself in early 1967. After I was in business for myself, I found out how little he paid for the Luminary but in 1967, $1,500 was equivalent to $7,900 in the year 2000. Still a small sum, but mortgages in 1967 were also $50 and homes only cost about $18,000! And my Mother and Father simply didn’t have $1,500 in cash sitting around!

My Father moved us to a town where we knew no one, to run a business he had no formal training in, and started out in debt and from scratch. My father wasn't a "literary" type who dreamed of writing the great American novel. He was an administrative mind with a high-level technical aptitude and tons of “street smarts”. Which is common sense and success through hard work and trial and error.

He was smart. And he was fearless.

That first year was incredibly difficult. I watched my parents persevere through times that would have broken many marriages. Dad didn’t let the local bank president talk him into buying an expensive press he couldn’t afford. Instead, he engineered a smarter way: he contracted the printing to a paper in Marshfield, Missouri. This move didn’t just save money; it connected him with a fraternity of fellow newspaper publishers who helped him master the industry.

By 1970, that "struggling" 4-page paper had become a 24-page weekly edition with a circulation of 3,000. It was the Dade County government paper of record. The Christmas edition was printed in three colors: Black, Red & Green —a massive technical feat for a small-town shop in the late 60s. How did the “government help”? By constantly raising fourth-class postage rates on publications and demanding the publishers stamp and sort before delivering it down the street to the Post Office. Essentially having the small business do the job the USPS was supposed to do! Sound familiar? Government asking you to pay more for less service is a system I’ve been watching my entire life—and it’s one I intend to fix.

My father taught me that you don’t need a "government-funded" safety net to succeed. You need a plan, a willingness to learn the mechanics of the system, and the courage to keep the "presses" running when things get tough.

Coming Monday in Chapter 4: Three Colors, County Records, and the Secretary of State.

#MondayMemo #PlatteCounty #WojoForClerk #LeapOfFaith #SmallBusinessGrit #TheWojtkiewiczStandard #SystemsNotPolitics

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:23:00 +0000

If you’re just joining us, you can find Chapter 1 on my timeline where we discuss the 'Wojtkiewicz Standard”.

The Wednesday
Memo | Chapter 2: From Boeing Security Clearances to the Brink of Change

By 1960, my father, Gene, had landed a position with the Boeing Aircraft Company in Wichita. It was a high-stakes environment where precision was the only standard.

Though he hadn’t been formally trained in graphics or audio-visual systems, he was a fast learner. He excelled so quickly that he earned high-level security clearances to help create presentations for Boeing’s SST program. At the time, they were in a fierce global race against the French Concorde to define the future of supersonic travel.

But life has a way of shifting your flight path.

In 1966, my father felt a deep calling to the ministry. We moved to Bolivar, Missouri, so he could attend Southwest Baptist College. It was a year that tested our family’s resolve to the limit. My mother worked for a local newspaper as a proofreader, while Dad balanced full-time classes with a part-time job in the press room with the same newspaper.

It was a "misery year." My brother and I were sick with the measles. Dad realized that full-time college was an expensive hurdle we couldn't clear at that time and he struggled with the classes. We were at a crossroads—struggling to make ends meet, dealing with childhood illness, and searching for a way forward.

Even in the middle of that "rough 1966," I have fond memories of camping at Pomme de Terre Lake. It taught me early on: The system might be stressed, but you don't stop moving. Little did we know, the press room job was about to open a door we never expected.

Coming Friday in Chapter 3: The $1,500 Leap of Faith and the Lockwood Luminary.

#MondayMemo #PlatteCounty #WojoForClerk #SystemsNotPolitics #FastLearner #TheWojtkiewiczStandard

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:27:00 +0000

The Monday Memo | Chapter 1: Who is Russ “Wojo” Wojtkiewicz and Why Does He Deserve Your Vote?

I know voters often wonder: Who are these people asking for our vote? It’s a question that deserves scrutiny. Too often, we pick candidates based on a photo or a title without knowing the principles that drive them.

To understand where I’m going, you have to know where I came from.

I was fortunate to have grown up in a loving, hard working middle class family. My parents sacrificed to give us great memories, taught us right from wrong and instilled moral principles to guide us.

My father’s story started in a multi-generational home in Omaha, raised by a single mother and immigrant grandparents who fled the turmoil of the Old World for the promise of the New. They were teenagers when they arrived in the late 1800s, eventually landing in Omaha with nothing but a drive to survive.

My father grew up in the shadow of the Depression, watching his mother work two jobs while his uncles helped look after him. They had very little, yet they still shared what they had with the hobos riding the rails behind their house in South Omaha.

That’s where the "Wojtkiewicz Standard" began: Work hard, take care of your own, and be charitable.

After a broken foot (which he hid so he could play baseball) briefly kept him out of the service, Dad was drafted into the Army in 1951. He ended up as a Staff Sergeant drilling recruits at Ft. Leonard Wood. It was on a weekend pass to Jefferson City that he met my mother at a Service Men’s Club.

That meeting changed the course of our family history— eventually leading me and my family here to Platte County.

Coming Wednesday in Chapter 2: From Boeing Security Clearances to the Brink of Change.

#MondayMemo #PlatteCounty #WojoForClerk #FamilyLegacy #TheWojtkiewiczStandard #SystemsNotPolitics

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:34:00 +0000

Life isn't just about hitting the campaign trail and knocking on doors. Life is about living and taking the time for some recreation. Look at what bounty the Lord gave today as I wandered in the woods! The elusive Morel! Count 'em - 11. Was a bit surprised they were already up but then that's why I ventured out to look before an afternoon of door knocking! Life is good from time to time!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:10:00 +0000

I want to shout out to my great supporters who braved the cold, windy, Election Day yesterday to hold a campaign sign and hand out cards! Due to their efforts, we gained several new supporters who pledged a vote, gave out a couple yard signs to new supporters and talked to a lot of old and new friends!

I wish to recognize the following volunteers who helped yesterday:

Rachel Kautz; Jason Reed; Kathy Place; Kathy Davis; Ronna Knetter and Phyllis Hartley.

Between them they covered through shifts in the day the polling locations at the Coves, Weatherby Lake, Platte City YMCA, Green Hills Mid-Continent Library, Thousand Oaks Oasis and Riverside Community Center.

While our Republican candidates did not fare well, the Homestead Act limiting assessment increases past and Weatherby Lake voters defeated two tax proposals.

Park Hill School Board will now have an extremely radical board that will no doubt push to put radical ideologies ahead of fundamental education of our students. I expect many attempts at raising the district tax levies as well. This will expose the urgency of why property tax reform is so badly necessary.

Republicans need to do a better job of getting out the conservative voter and turn the rising tide of left leaning office holders in Platte County. That includes some tax and spend Republicans. It is why so many of us have filed to replace current county office holders and bring solid conservative values to Platte County Government and be watchdogs of your tax dollars!

Here are two of my volunteers - Kathy Place on the left and Phyllis Hartley on the right. Thanks All! Look forward to a great Campaign Season!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 16:56:00 +0000

Easter - He Is Risen!

Today is Holy Saturday. Sunday is the most holiest of days in Christendom - Easter. The celebration of our Risen Lord and Savior. It’s a time traditionally spent with family, enjoying large dinners and catching up. Many attend church Saturday evening or Sunday morning and take in Easter Brunch at a local diner. It is generally a joyous time celebrating when Jesus defied death, rose from the grave and embarked on finishing his ministry before ascending into heaven, saving us all from sin and an eternity in Hell.

I will be cooking dinner for my small family on Sunday. The scratch egg noodles are ready for the broth. The chicken is brining. Cooking brings me joy. The weekend will be a needed break from campaigning or politics at all. Perhaps take in some baseball or a March Madness Semi-final meeting with friends.

I had hoped to get to the forest again and search for those elusive morsels of God’s great earth - Morels, but the weather isn’t cooperating and we are still a week or so early for the season. I felt blessed to have found 6 Morels last year. The first time in about 45 years I had located any in the wild. But then I had not gone out every year. Just finding those few greatly lifted my spirits. Walking in amongst God’s green earth, among the wildlife and flora is quite spiritual, relaxing and recharging. Sure there lurks a slight chance of danger, but then that’s part of the excitement and fun, yes? I feel like a walk in the woods is communing with God. Escape to the woods is to me like being in a cathedral built by God. Quiet. Reverent. The more you look, the more you see. The noble birds of prey to the tiniest of insects. All the wonders of life in all its forms. All a wonder when you meditate upon this glorious place we live - Earth.

Praise God for this wonderful nation celebrating 250 years this year. Our Judeo-Christian roots blessed this nation with the success, wealth and authority its citizens have earned and despite all who say otherwise, is still a beacon of Freedom and Opportunity!

May all have a Blessed and Wonderful Easter Weekend! Be safe. Enjoy the present as the past is done and the future has yet to arrive. And send God a prayer of thanks.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:30:00 +0000

Fiscal Friday: Citizens Deserve Better Transparency!

Several of your fellow Platte County citizens have filed to run for office to make our county government work for the hardworking citizen who pays their taxes and contributes to society. As one of those who has filed, I am compelled to point out how the Clerk's office can be improved by my election.

Today, the County Administration Building is open—but the Clerk’s office is CLOSED. The reason given? To "process Senior Tax Credit applications." I sincerely want to know - WHY?

Senior Tax Credit applications ended on December 31st. That was over 90 days ago. Why the "crunch" now? The Clerk’s office has a staff of six full-time employees, including the elected Clerk. Why can’t six people manage applications during business hours? What is efficient about closing the office and restricting citizen access to the Clerk’s office on such short notice?

Until we, the citizens, receive a more specific explanation for this closure, this appears to be a lack of competent leadership and a disregard for serving the citizens of Platte County.

Under my administration, the doors will stay open when at all possible, the systems stay on, and the taxpayers come first.

In my world, if a system can't handle a predictable load, you don't shut down the system—you upgrade the processor. On August 4th, Platte County has the chance to upgrade the leadership in the Clerk’s office.

#FiscalFriday #PlatteCounty #SystemsNotPolitics #WojoForClerk #OpenForBusiness #NoMoreSillySeason

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 14:45:00 +0000

Fiscal Friday: The Audit of the "30% Club"

In four days, the filing window for a Platte County office will close. The names on the ballot will be set, but the numbers in the county ledger are already written in ink. As an engineer, I don't look at a budget as just a list of expenses—I look at it as a performance report.

If you were running a business or managing a household, would you approve these "specs"?

A 30% salary increase for elected officials (including the incumbent Clerk).
A meager 2.5% COLA for the hard-working county staff who keep the lights on.
A 7% property assessment hike pushed through via a State MOU while the Clerk’s office remained silent.

As most engineers will tell you, a system that takes 30% more "input" while providing the same "output" is considered a failure or at least unjust expenditure of capital. In Platte City, it is evidently considered standard government operating procedure.

I am running for County Clerk to end the era of “Apathetic Government."

I will fight for property tax rollbacks that are calculated to the penny, ensuring you only pay what is legally required—nothing more.
We will audit the office processes to find "friction" and waste. If we can do the job for a dime, why are we spending a dollar?
While others are caught up in "Email-Gate" and courthouse drama, I will be focused on the data.

By next Wednesday, the "rumor season" will be over and the real work begins. I’m ready to bring an engineer’s precision to the Clerk’s office. It’s time to stop the waste and start the recalibration.

Russ "Wojo" Wojtkiewicz Candidate for Platte County Clerk

#FiscalFriday #WojoForClerk #PlatteCounty #SystemsEngineer #TaxpayerAdvocate #August4 #NoMore30Percent

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 17:14:00 +0000

Wisdom Wednesday: The Engineer’s Rule

"An engineer is someone who can do for a dime what any fool can do for a dollar." — Arthur M. Wellington

In my 43 years as an engineer, I’ve lived by a simple rule: Efficiency is the highest form of respect. When you design a system, you don't just throw money at a problem to make it go away. You look for the simplest, most effective way to accomplish the goal. If a system requires a 30% increase in "fuel" (salaries) but the output for the customer stays the same—or the "cost of operation" (your taxes) goes up by 7%—the system is broken. It’s "out of spec."

I’m not running for County Clerk to just "occupy an office." I’m running to apply Common Sense Engineering to our local government.

We need an office that does more for you, for less.
Your tax rollbacks and property records shouldn't be subject to "approximate" math or courthouse drama.
It's about finding ways to save the taxpayer a dime, not finding ways to spend a dollar.

Watch: Why Hard Work Isn't About Quitting One Day

Take 23 minutes to watch this fabulous mashup from Mike Rowe talking with successful CEOs about the philosophy of leadership and discipline. These are the same ideals taught by the Kaufmann Foundation—principles I’ve strived to incorporate into everything I’ve done as a self-employed professional.

Size of the operation doesn’t matter. Intent and discipline do. Let’s stop the waste and start the recalibration.

Russ "Wojo" Wojtkiewicz Candidate for Platte County Clerk

#WisdomWednesday #WojoForClerk #SystemsEngineer #PlatteCounty #Efficiency #August4 #MikeRowe #MikeRoweWorks

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 03:51:22 +0000

Monday Memo: The Math of Change

It’s a long way to August… and filing for county office closes in just one week, on Tuesday, March 31st. It will be interesting to see the final list of names—moving past the rumors to the actual candidates.

There are two sides to having so many challengers. On one hand, it’s great to see neighbors willing to sacrifice their time and resources to be public servants. On the other hand, political theory says that two challengers usually guarantee an incumbent win by splitting the "anti-incumbent" vote.

But I am counting on a more powerful theory: An informed electorate.

We are seeing a historic level of disillusionment with the status quo. Two incumbents have already dropped out—one citing the "lawfare" and vitriol that has plagued our courthouse, and another likely realizing the deep public backlash to that 30% salary hike.

I am one of at least two candidates who have decided to come out of retirement to help stabilize our county. I am personally fed up with the "embarrassing circus" we’ve seen unfold in Platte City. I want to bring professional, focused attention back to the Clerk’s office.

Together, we can bring a level of cooperation and efficiency to County government that—frankly—becomes boring. We can leave the "evening news" headlines to Jackson County!

My goal is simple: audit the office, follow the statutes of Missouri, and if those statutes don't serve you fairly, I will be your advocate in Jefferson City. We will not let a State commission run roughshod over our taxpayers while the Clerk’s office stays silent.

Please study the candidates. Educate yourselves on the issues. I’d love to meet you, answer your questions, and earn your trust.

#PlatteCounty #WojoForClerk #MondayMemo #SystemsNotPolitics #August

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 00:29:00 +0000

Saturday Spotlight: Enjoying a warm start to Spring

A friend and I went out to scout if Morel Mushrooms were beginning to pop up. Of course, they are not, it is a bit early. But with all these very warm days and nights, it was worth a morning’s walk in a local forest and my Morel spot to find out.

Morels are one of nature’s best gifts! Such earthy, meaty flavors. Hard to find, but provide such exhilaration when you do find one or a whole mess. And walking out in nature brings one closer to our Creator and the wonder of his infinite wisdom and creation.

So enjoy this beautiful Spring and the coming Summer! I’ll be busy walking doors and meeting thousands of my Platte County neighbors. Let’s have fun, be blessed with what we have and enjoy life! Let’s keep Platte County friendly, safe and beautiful!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 19:30:00 +0000

Fiscal Friday: Why Come Out of Retirement?

I get asked this at every front door and every community event: "Wojo, you’ve had a great career, you’ve built a business, and you’ve earned your retirement. Why on earth are you running for County Clerk?"

The Answer: Because, like many of you, I am tired of being told to just "accept" mediocrity and insider deals. When I saw the Salary Commission—including the incumbent Clerk—vote for a 30% salary increase for themselves while only leaving 2.5% for the actual county workers, it wasn't just a "political" moment for me. It was a professional insult.

In my 43 years of engineering and 30 years of running RBW, Inc., if I ran a system that prioritized the "bosses" that heavily over the customer and the staff, I wouldn't have stayed in business for a single year. As your County Clerk, the taxpayers are my customers and will come first.

I didn't come out of retirement to find a "job." I came out of retirement to do a task.

To analyze the Clerk’s office looking to bring efficiency and systems modernization to the office.
To ensure tax rollbacks are calculated "to the penny" so assessment hikes don't become an unearned government windfall at your expense.
To advocate for you, the taxpayer for better solutions regarding property taxes and mandated statutes. The goal being a more property and business owner friendly county.

I’m not a career politician looking for a ladder. I’m a neighbor who is fed up and ready to work. If you’re tired of the status quo, join me. Let's get to work.

I want to hear from you. What is the one thing in Platte County government that has you 'fed up' or ready for a change today? Drop it in the comments. I'm taking notes, and I'm taking them to the Clerk's office on November 3rd.

#FiscalFriday #PlatteCounty #WojoForClerk #FedUp #AbsolutePrecision #August4 #NoMoreInsiders