The Daily Record surveyed the 2011-15 City Council members about the current Council year. Stephen Joost, a Republican, is CFO of Firehouse Subs.
Joost is Council president this year.
How have you prepared both personally and professionally for your role on Council?
My role as Finance Committee chair prepared me extremely well in my current role as Council president. The year I chaired the Finance Committee, the Council president added two members to the committee. So at most meetings, half the Council was in the Finance Committee meetings. We were also the first Finance Committee to make cuts to all departments.
Are you satisfied with your Council assignments and why do you believe you were chosen for them?
I am very happy with my assignments. Being elected president by my peers is a huge honor and very humbling at the same time.
Which committees or assignments would you like next, and why?
At some point, I would like to chair the Rules Committee. It is an extremely important committee which approves and helps determine all appointments made to all the various agencies and boards that are related to City government. Also any rules that are to be waived regarding anything involving City government go through the Rules Committee.
Is serving on the Council a part-time or full-time job?
For me, Council has been more than a part-time job. The more one gets involved and the more committee assignments one undertakes, the more time the job requires. This is especially true in these tough economic times when everything is being scrutinized.
What’s the first piece of legislation you have introduced or will introduce in this Council year?
I have already introduced several amendments in the Finance Committee budget hearings that have helped or will help balance the budget and cut wasteful spending.