Valparaiso Mayor Candidate Interview: Chris Wasdin Christopher Saul March 3, 2026 2:53 pm Valparaiso Valparaiso voters will choose their next mayor in a three-way race between Commissioner Chris Wasdin, former Commissioner Joe Morgan, and candidate Patrick Palmer on March 10. On the ballot is a question much larger than any single personality: how should a small, mostly residential city navigate big financial and growth challenges in the years ahead? In an interview with Mid Bay News, Chris Wasdin made her case that experience, financial expertise, and long-term planning make her the right choice to lead Valparaiso through this moment. This interview is part of a series (we hope) where we speak with all three candidates for Valparaiso Mayor. Stay tuned; we will post links to other candidates’ interviews below if we get them. Who Is Chris Wasdin? Wasdin has experience in public service and financial management: 10 years as a Valparaiso city commissioner (first elected in 2016) 25 years in the U.S. Air Force in financial management Currently works for the Air Force as a civilian financial professional She argues that this combination—local government experience plus a career in managing complex budgets—uniquely prepares her to guide Valparaiso’s finances and services. “I know how the city works, and I know where to find more money to bring it into our city, and I think experience matters,” she explained. Preparing for Property Tax Changes One of the biggest issues hanging over Valparaiso’s future is discussion in the Florida Legislature about eliminating property...
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