Leading with Heart: Mayor Joe DePinto on Leadership, Service, Community, and Star Trek

Host: Tony Taylor

Guest: Mayor Joe DePinto

Episode Description

Title: Leading with Heart: Mayor Joe DePinto on Service, Community, and Star Trek

Join Tony Taylor and Mayor Joe DePinto of Yelm in an engaging conversation covering a variety of topics, from friendly catch-up to deep professional insights. They open with mutual admiration and gratitude for their long-awaited meeting.

Joe shares his progression from an ordinary citizen to Mayor of Yelm. Highlights include his early job at Pizza Hut, his role as a legislative aide, and his current responsibilities as a lobbyist. Joe emphasizes the customer service principle "Listen, apologize, satisfy, and thank," which he learned at Pizza Hut. They also discuss the intricacies of lobbying and Joe's contributions in this field. The conversation rounds up with insights into the Yelm Dog Park project, highlighting how Joe's leadership secured state and federal funding to minimize the public tax burden.

Joe discusses his campaign experiences, particularly doorbelling, and interacting with residents. Despite challenges, he values personal interactions and has doorbelled thousands of homes in Yelm. He expresses disappointment at low voter turnout but remains committed to reaching out to voters. Joe outlines his focus on public safety, recreational opportunities, and limiting water rate increases.

Joe talks about organizing Yelm's first pride festival, facing controversies, and advocating for equal rights. He handled personal attacks and maintained community respect during the event. Joe's ability to gather support from local authorities in challenging times is highlighted.

Joe finds joy in visiting schools and interacting with students, who see him as a celebrity. He enjoys being approachable and treating everyone with respect and dignity. Despite formal demands, his commitment to equality and respect is fulfilling. Joe talks about his nickname 'Mayor Joe' and prefers being seen as 'Joe' rather than just 'the Mayor.' He hints at running for mayor again in the next term.

Joe's focus is on addressing community needs, particularly traffic congestion. Collaborations with partners like WSDOT, the Nisqually Indian Tribe, county, and federal bodies are key to his efforts. Projects like the Yelm Loop (Elm Bypass) and roundabout systems aim to improve traffic flow. Joe is committed to enhancing recreation, public safety, and other initiatives voiced by the Yelm community. He has self-imposed a two-term limit to ensure dedicated service.

Joe draws motivation from the support Yelm has given him since childhood, such as community fundraisers. Serving as a city council member and mayor is his way of giving back. Despite job pressures, the fulfillment from improving the community keeps him going.

Tony asks Joe about hobbies like Star Trek, poker, tennis, and nineties hip hop. Joe enjoys poker, playing at Little Creek Casino and Las Vegas tournaments, and rapping at karaoke. The conversation shifts to the importance of citizen service, safety, and future planning. Joe reflects on the stress of the job but finds it fulfilling and considers the long-term impact of his work. As the 16th Mayor, he ponders the unique challenges faced by his predecessors and values influencing others to pass his ideas. Joe emphasizes giving credit where it's due and fostering a spirit of servant leadership.

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