Why Vote for John Jose:
After seeing that the conservative candidate in the primary received fewer than 300 votes in a district with 19,000 eligible voters, I knew - we can and must do better. After much prayer, discussion, and encouragement, l've decided to step forward. I love Stearns County, and I believe our community needs a strong, common-sense voice at the table.

 

I seek first to understand, and I will bring that approach into every dialogue and decision. At the same time, I know many in our county are concerned about over-taxation, overspending, and the unwise use of their hard-earned dollars. I will represent those concerns while serving all who live in our district.

A Few Quick Facts About Our County Budget:

• Nearly two-thirds of the operating budget goes toward wages, benefits, and health insurance.

• The Road & Bridge Fund jumps from $29 million to $42 million-worth a deeper look.

• Five new full-time jobs were added in IT, Environmental Services, Parks, and Administration-all funded by property taxes. At a time of levy increases, new staff add long-term commitments: it may seem like a low dollar amount in comparison to the overall budget... but it falls into that tough spot of easy to add, hard to cut.

• The county gives about $4.4 million to outside agencies. Some may be worthy, but perhaps it's time to trim or shift the burden away from taxpayers.

• Big questions remain around the new jail and justice center, now at a staggering $323 million-and rising.

• I live by the motto: be part of the solution, not the problem. If elected by write-in vote, I would be honored to serve this one-year term to the very best of my ability-bringing common sense, accountability, and servant-hearted leadership to District 4.