GreatNews.Life Founder Chris Mahlmann sat down with Mayor Elect of Valparaiso Jon Costas to discuss his upcoming term, including the values he plans to bring to a balanced government environment, build collaborative relationships with local organizations and his constituents, and his own experience as a Valpo politician. Additionally, Costas touches on the need for organizations like GNL to continue showing everyone the good that is happening while most media companies focus solely on the negative.
Check out the full interview above or some of our favorite highlights below!
Balanced Government Environment
Costas is bringing good government values to a balanced government environment. For him, that involves enacting change by forming relationships, building bridges, and recognizing areas of expansion that all lead toward a unified, strong Valparaiso.
Benefits of Collaboration
Mahlmann sits down with Costas to discuss the benefits of collaboration, including finding middle ground with political opponents and stopping the dividing wedge being driven between the community. Costas advocates for leaving the echo chambers and reaching across the aisle to make sure Valpo can thrive and provide for all her people.
What Costas Bring to Valpo
On his campaign trail, Costas noted two things were needed by the next mayor to keep Valpo flourishing: financially successful operations made in the best interests of the community, and a great sense of unity and transparency within the city. With Costas' strong roots already planted from his first term as mayor, as well as much community involvement over the years, he's excited to get the ball moving once again to help the city shine to its fullest potential.
Why Great News is Needed and Viable
When Costas was growing up, his local paper would run stories on the eighth grade football team. As media has begun to focus more on the negative, people like Mahlmann and the folks at GreatNews.Life are needed more than ever.