Joe Morgan is one of three candidates running for Mayor of Valparaiso in the March 10 election. A retired Army artillery and civil affairs officer, former Okaloosa County teacher, real estate professional, and longtime volunteer firefighter/EMT, Morgan says his campaign is built on better communication, aggressive pursuit of grants, and more citizen involvement in city decisions. In this interview, Morgan discusses Valparaiso’s aging infrastructure, grant opportunities the city is at risk of losing, and how he’d approach the fire department’s future, including potential regional partnerships and volunteer integration. He also explains his position on the city’s high millage rate, ideas for carefully expanding the commercial tax base through mixed-use and professional offices, and how to turn the controversial Synovus building purchase into an asset by leasing premium office space to help cover the city’s low‑interest loan. Valparaiso Mayor Candidate Interview: Joe Morgan Christopher Saul March 6, 2026 10:34 am Valparaiso Joe Morgan is one of three candidates running for Mayor of Valparaiso in the March 10 election. A retired Army artillery and civil affairs officer, Morgan spent his military career learning how to manage complex projects, coordinate with governments and NGOs, and secure grant funding for infrastructure in war-torn and underserved areas. He’s worked alongside organizations like the World Bank and World Health Organization to fund wells, agricultural programs, and local improvements. After the Army, Morgan taught science in Okaloosa County schools in Niceville and at Ruckel Middle School. He has also worked in local real estate, where he says he learned that while numbers matter, people ultimately choose communities based on how...
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