Correction: Kochanowski Announces Run for Mayor
By Brandi Makuski
School Board Member Alex Kochanowski has announced his intentions to run for mayor.
“I have chosen to offer my candidacy for mayor to the people of Stevens Point because we need to ensure balance and make positive change. I am driven by being needed, and good leadership is needed; leadership that can recognize the potential of each member of the team and allow each person to contribute using their experience to benefit everyone as we move forward together,” Kochanowski wrote in a statement on Wednesday.
His statement goes on: “It has been my desire for over past six years to be a valuable public servant. I have specifically sought out education, employment, and volunteer work that was community service oriented. As a city employee, I have a unique insight into many different department practices. I have a good understanding of what is working and where improvements are needed. Maintaining transparency is the key to positive progress as we rebuild relationships in our community; we also must take gradual prudent steps to stabilize our city financially.”
Kochanowski said his idea of a successful mayor includes, “collaboration with the Common Council and department heads, as well as [sic], the implementation of volunteer community advisers. This group would consist of knowledgeable members of our community, to include city employees, whose perspective is needed to show a side of daily operations that can only be properly represented from outside of city management.”
He also proposes listening sessions with the public.
Kochanowski had previously worked in the Stevens Point Auxiliary Police Unit, but resigned so he could vote to fill a vacant School Board seat, a position for which Stevens Point Police Chief Kevin Ruder was being considered.
Kochanowski currently works for the Stevens Point Transit Department.
“I consider myself a Practical Caretaker of what is entrusted to me. I am one who will work for you for the betterment of our community; and if our City is going to prosper it is essential that we have a holistic vision now and into the future,” he said in his statement.