To help our community members make informed choices in the upcoming election, we asked candidates running for important local, state, and national seats to participate in our Forum to help you get to know them better. Today, meet Joanna Croes.

As a trained engineer with a love for helping people, Joanna Croes is seeking election as the Kalamazoo County Drain Commissioner. “This position seemed like the perfect opportunity to combine my love for helping people, natural science, and technical problem solving,” said Joanna. “I am passionate about seeing qualified and honest leaders with the best interest of the public at heart taking office. I decided to run for office to be the change I want to see.” In this role, Joanna’s top priorities would include fighting flooding to support farmers and protect low-income families and lake houses; cleaning water by managing industrial runs offs to keep PFOS and bacteria out of water; and striving to be proactive to prevent disasters before they occur. Along with the policy-focused questions, Joanna also shared that her favorite song is “You Say” by Lauren Daigle and that she enjoys a slice of strawberry rhubarb pie for dessert. Meet Joanna Croes.

NAME
Joanna Croes

POSITION SEEKING
Kalamazoo County Drain Commissioner

DISTRICT POSITION REPRESENTS
Kalamazoo County

AFFILIATION
Republican

EMAIL
JoannaLCroes@gmail.com

WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR RUNNING FOR OFFICE?
I am passionate about seeing qualified and honest leaders with the best interest of the public at heart taking office. I decided to run for office to be the change I want to see. I have had a love for math, science, and nature since long before graduating with my engineering degree. This position seemed like the perfect opportunity to combine my love for helping people, natural science, and technical problem-solving.

PLEASE LIST YOUR TOP PRIORITIES WITHIN THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS ELECTED OFFICE.
My top priorities are to fight flooding in our communities to support farmers and protect low-income families and lake houses. Also, to clean our water by managing industrial runs offs to keep PFOS and bacteria out of our water. Last but not least, I will strive to be proactive to prevent disasters before they occur.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO ACCOMPLISH THESE GOALS WITHIN THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESTRICTIONS OF THE OFFICE?
The Drain Commissioner office operates within the boundary of the Drain Code of 1956. One of the largest constraints is a maintenance budget cap of $5,000 per linear mile per year for a drain. This makes it incredibly important to be smart with our money to maximize output and community benefit. It is also imperative when considering new projects to assess if proper maintenance is realistic within the pre-allotted budget.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO SUPPORT THE GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY IF ELECTED?
The Drain Commissioner’s office routinely hires contractors for the maintenance of the drains and civil engineering consultants. I am a strong advocate for utilizing Kalamazoo County talent and business resources whenever possible. Not only does this provide employment opportunities in Kalamazoo county, but it also puts people to work on our land that is most familiar with its history.

FAVORITE CAMPAIGN SONGS
“You Say” by Lauren Daigle.

FAVORITE BOOK
“The Goal” by Eliyahu M. Goldratt and Jeff Cox.

FAVORITE MOVIE
“Phantom of the Opera.”

FAVORITE FOOD
Strawberry rhubarb pie.

The Primary will be held on August 4. The General Election will be held on November 3. Joanna Croes is seeking this seat as a Republican.