Jesse Kokotek

JESSE KOKOTEK FOR TOWN COUNCIL

Hello! My names is Jesse Kokotek and I am running for Damascus Town Council! For the last two years I have been actively engaged in community government here in Damascus. I have personally filmed and documented every single public town council meeting since September of 2021. Posting these videos online allows the community to be engaged if they don’t have the opportunity to attend in person. In addition, I am able to provide a high degree of governmental transparency with this service. The town hall meetings can be viewed here.

I see things differently! As a photographer it’s my job to do so. With my camera in hand, I can easily go from laying horizontal on the ground in the weeds to a standing position in order to compose a shot. I notice patterns, lines, and unique perspectives that most people do not. I see literally and abstractly. Photography is work and it involves patience, a fresh eye, and the diligence to work the shot at the onset and take it all the way to post processing.

The character traits I developed and refined in photography impact how I interact with others. I am passionate about seeing how other people think and operate. This curiosity has led to my involvement in filming and documenting public meetings and forums. However, I’ve been horizontal too long and it is time for me to stand up. The principal job of a town council is to set policy. At this very moment do you think your voice is being heard? I have confidence I can add value to our community by directly assisting with these actions. I look forward to having tough conversations with my fellow council members and questioning the intent of their decisions.

In addition, I have an eclectic background of public and military service that has given me the tools, resources, and knowledge to ask tough questions when they arise and act with integrity and professionalism.

I would be honored to represent Damascus.

priority issues

I think we can all agree that great leadership is the foundation of any successful organization and culture. Like most municipalities, day-to-day operations within Damascus are directed by the town manager. Leading and managing a town with a booming tourism industry requires around the clock commitment in order for the town to govern efficiently as possible. Damascus currently operates with a part-time, contracted town manager.

The priority issue the town council should focus on in the next four years is implementing a more robust and effective management strategy here in Damascus. I can’t think of a single full-time organization that governs with part-time leadership. The citizens of Damascus deserve better.

The strategy I propose to enact will be championing a full-time town manager who is an employee and resident of the Town of Damascus. In order for this to happen I will challenge other council members to look at this matter more closely and possibly see a different way forward.

Damascus is a close-knit town that relies on relationships and community to remain balanced. As a citizen I want my leaders to be residents of the town so they see and feel when situations aren’t working correctly.

Damascus has given me so much and I look forward to paying this forward as a member of the town council.

Please elect me to Town Council on November 8th, 2022!

2022 CTREC

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