Editor’s Note: As a courtesy to our readers and community, The Walker Leader is providing space for each qualified candidate in the upcoming Jasper municipal election to share information about themselves and their goals for office. These profiles are submitted directly by the candidates and are published as received, with only minor edits for clarity or length when necessary.
The Walker Leader does not endorse any candidate for office. Our goal is to inform, not influence. We encourage all eligible voters to read, research, and participate in the voting process.
Name: Lad Miklovic
How Long You’ve Lived in Jasper: My wife Debbie and I relocated to Jasper in 2011 from a small town in Ohio. I was hired to construct a new manufacturing facility for Vis Tech Manufacturing in the old Burton Golf Bag factory and Debbie was the second manager hired by HTNA to run their material and logistics group. I also launched a second career as a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones and opened an office here in 2017. While our original plan was to stay for five years and retire to Florida, we have grown comfortable in Jasper and have decided to retire here. I have remained an active member of Jasper Fire Rescue as a part time volunteer firefighter since 2015.
Family: Deb and I have four adult children who reside in Illinois, Ohio, and Colorado. We have also been blessed with three lovely grandchildren. Parenthood is a challenging and rewarding commitment but so rewarding watching the children develop their careers and families. We also consider our rescue dogs part of the family.
Why are you running for City Council?
Now that we have decided to retire in Jasper, I believe that my management and leadership experience can be an asset to guiding the city into the future. When you envision opportunities for the city to improve, you can either sit on the sidelines and complain or step into the role as a councilman. I am not a sit on the sidelines type of guy!
What key issues will be your top priorities if elected?
•We must maintain the fiscal and budget accountability initiated by our late mayor but strike a better balance of spending on improving services and facilities that directly benefit the citizens, especially families and seniors.
•We must place higher priorities on funding our first responders’ equipment and facilities. The city has become a feeder to other departments, and we continually lose trained personnel to other surrounding cities. We must make a serious retention plan.
•While I applaud the economic development that has occurred, I believe that we would improve our effectiveness by combining the knowledge and budgets of county and city development agencies.
•I would like to see an improvement in our park and recreation facilities and programs, especially for our children and seniors. This is an area that will help attract families to our city. A decision must be made how the 2022 bond issue money will be spent as originally intended for competition ball fields or used for other recreation improvements. This should be decided by the voice of the citizens.
•Improve traffic flow on Highway 78 to support commercial growth and safety.
•Provide greater financial transparency for our citizens.
•No tax increases without voter approval.
What personal or professional experiences have best prepared you for this role?
My 30-plus years of professional management experience combined with eight years as a licensed Financial Advisor, provides a strong basis for analyzing and implementing policy. Building new facilities here and in other states has seasoned me to understand the importance of economic development along with work force training.
My 10 years with Jasper Fire (plus 15 years firefighting in Ohio), provide a deep understanding of the complexities of a first responder’s function. The safety of our citizens is the city’s primary responsibility.
What’s one thing you love about Jasper?
I love the emphasis that Jasper citizens put on physical and mental well-being. There are many opportunities, groups, and even businesses that encourage physical and mental activities. It is so important for a community to have these opportunities.
Favorite local event, spot, or tradition: Deb and I enjoy a variety of local groups and activities including Slow Spokes bike group, painting at the Activity Center, visiting Gamble Park, and volunteering at RUFF animal rescue. We do look forward each year to the concerts at Foothills Festival.
Something others might be surprised to know about you: Deb and I are avid snow skiers and enjoy the mountains of Colorado. I also enjoyed building race cars and drag racing while living in Ohio.
