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Candidate Q&A series | Warsaw
Incumbent Mayor A.J. Connors
As Warsaw heads into its next election cycle, longtime Mayor AJ Connors reflects on nearly eight years in office and outlines his vision for the future. In this Q&A, the mayor addresses the town’s most pressing challenges — from infrastructure and transparency to environmental accountability — and shares how they plan to build a more connected, inclusive and forward-looking community if reelected.
Reflecting on your time in office, what accomplishment are you most proud of and how has it tangibly benefited the community?
I have proven to the citizens that I am a mayor for the entire town. We have seen much growth, and I am constantly in search of business opportunities that we can bring to the table.
Looking ahead, what are your top three priorities for the town if reelected? How do these priorities directly address the concerns and needs you’re hearing from Warsaw residents?
My priorities include continued efforts to build a better Warsaw. Infrastructure is an area we are in need of, and I am working with our state leaders to request funding for assistance. Community relations is also important. You can find me supporting most events within the town and county to bring the community together. Working together with our law enforcement partners to bring a more secure and connected town is another priority of mine.
If granted another term, how will you ensure that all voices — including those of underrepresented or marginalized groups — are actively heard, respected, and reflected in town decisions?
Throughout my entire time as mayor, I have had an open-door policy to whomever would like to come and speak with me. I also have been encouraging to ensure that all races are represented on our boards.
Many residents have expressed frustration with being left uninformed about major developments — including environmental spills, infrastructure planning and budget decisions. What steps will you take to foster a more transparent and inclusive local government?
The town holds a public meeting every month in which I have on multiple occasions asked that people come and take part. There is a comment period in which citizens can speak and be heard. Information is posted on our website and digital signs of what is happening in Warsaw.
In the FY 2025–26 budget, the town allocated $63,000 for drainage improvements despite ongoing issues, while more than four times that amount was designated for DreamWorks an entertainment facility. How do you justify this budget decision to residents who are concerned about everyday quality-of-life issues like stormwater management?
Budget sessions are open to the public, myself as well as other commissioners, are open to hearing the concerns of the public. There again is a comment period at every meeting where these budget concerns can be heard. I myself do not put together the budget, nor do I vote on the budget, but it is a team effort to ensure that the major priorities of the town are considered. Dreamworks is not an entertainment facility, it is a facility for exercise and improving a healthier community. Stormwater is of great concern to us, and we continue to make improvements as we can and look for grants to assist with the needs of our town.
What is the most challenging part of your job that you wish residents would understand better?
The most challenging part of the job is that Warsaw is under a manager council and not a mayor council, and our citizens need to be more aware of the governing body of the town and how it operates. It is also important for the citizens to understand that you can’t please all the people all the time. Things take time to work themselves out and there is no magic wand to “fix” everyone’s demands.
