Name: Robert Jozwiak
Age: 42
Party: Independent
Office sought: Mayor of Anderson
Occupation: Owner, Leak-Stopper Roofing
Education: B.S. public finance; B.S. public management, Indiana University, Bloomington School of Public and Environmental Affairs, minor in economics, Kelly School of Business (2 years); U.S. Army Reserve (6 years)
Family: Single
Why do you want this position?
I want to protect our city’s future. The Republican and Democratic parties are equally responsible for our current job loss, rising crime rate, unwanted illegal immigrant population and increasing property tax uncertainty. As mayor, I will force the city to live within budget. Using ordinances, I will stop local manufacturers from hiring illegal immigrants. I will stop building contractors from employing illegal immigrants. Hamilton County will have to find a place other than Anderson to house its cheap, illegal work force. My deportation plan will get illegal drugs out of our city faster, reduce crime and increase property values.
What is the role of government in nonprofit organizations?
It is important for city government to have a working relationship with nonprofit organizations that provide benefits to our city and enhance the quality of life. I will do everything within my power to assist these beneficial nonprofits.
How can city government aid in economic development?
The city can help businesses obtain direct state loans, issue local industrial development bonds, provide tax abatements, obtain tax credit rewards for job creation and capital investment, provide direct goods and services like management and technical assistance, build a relationship with Anderson and Purdue universities to provide customized worker training for existing and future employers and organize regional city leaders and surrounding states to pressure the federal government to overturn the trade treaties that have caused our predicament.
How far should cities go in offering tax abatement and other incentives to prospective businesses?
It is unconscionable that we would entertain agreements that are void of legal recourse if job creation conditions are not met. We had no choice but to agree to a conditionless deal with Affiliated Computer Services. It is outrageous that our property tax dollars are paying for the infrastructure at Nestlé and illegal immigrants are pouring the concrete and roofing the building. We deserve job creation and wage guarantees if our tax dollars are to be used as incentives.
What would you do to bring jobs to the city?
I will work tirelessly to sell business owners on the many great attributes our city offers. I understand the tools available to the city and how to use them to attract new corporations and will work to grow existing businesses. I will not be compliant nor submissive when dealing with federal lawmakers. I will organize surrounding city and state leaders, go to Washington, D.C., and demand fair trade laws. If you do not solve the problem, you cannot expect a solution.
What is the best way for the city to raise revenue?
Obtain unrestricted open-ended federal and state grants. The worst way is to raise property taxes.
What are your qualifications for the position?
Remember, it’s about qualifications, not party affiliations. It is an asset that I am an Independent candidate. I do not have an entourage of cronies and special interests surrounding and making decisions for me. I have not accepted donations from anyone. I live by the Golden Rule, the cornerstone of my Christian faith. My education pertains to the position of mayor. I have a realistic vision for Anderson. Anderson will be a desirable place to escape from big-city problems, no longer a place where the big city dumps its problems.
Special Reports
ELECTION: Robert Jozwiak, Candidate, Anderson Mayor
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ACS dominates local headlines in 2010
In 2010, Anderson schools faced the consolidation of several school buildings, a controversial union contract and the dismissal of 163 teachers. ACS' struggle to handle a growing budget deficit while losing its student population was among the top local stories of the year.
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2010's Top Stories: Republicans steal show in elections
The Republicans were the stars of this year’s elections with seven Democratic officeholders in the Madison County Government Center swept from power.
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2010's Top Stories: Double homicide strikes community
A double homicide struck the city in November, leaving residents wondering who would kill a mid-20s couple. Less than two weeks later, the answer was given in a form of teenagers.
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2010's Top Stories: Colts bring attention to Anderson
The return of the Indianapolis Colts to Anderson for training camp had a huge impact on Anderson with record-setting camp attendance records and an estimated economic impact of nearly $6.5 million.
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2010's Top Stories: Parks officials make cases against city
The new year of 2010 brought the firing of Anderson Parks and Recreation Superintendent Fred Reese Jr. in January. As the year came to an end, Reese won a judgment of more than $54,000 against the city.
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2010's Top Stories: Locals had swift response for Haiti
When an earthquake devastated Haiti in January, the response from Anderson and Madison County was swift.
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2010's Top Stories: Mixed bag for city's economic development
The year produced a mixed bag for economic development in Anderson.
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2010's Top Stories: Biddle was a quiet hero
Melvin “Bud” Biddle died at the age of 87. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge at Christmastime in 1944. It was the last major offensive for the Nazis and the Americans, especially with soldiers like Biddle, weren’t about to let the Germans gbain another foothold in western Europe.
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2010's Top Stories: 'Teen Mom' grabs national headlines
Local celebrity Amber Portwood, 20, became the subject of tabloid fodder in 2010 as she was charged with domestic battery and neglect following an MTV episode of “Teen Mom” in which Portwood was filmed kicking, punching and slapping then-fiance Gary Shirley.
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Parks and wrecks: The state of the city's green spaces
ANDERSON — Kayla Hinners enjoyed a fine late-summer day at Shadyside Park recently, and so did her 3-year-old son, Jonathan Moran, and 4-year-old cousin, Grace Hinners.
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