Why one neighbor wants to fix local issues in St. Joseph County

Ten years ago, Ranjan Rohatgi and his wife picked St. Joseph County for its quiet neighborhoods and good schools. They built a life there—careers, friendships, and two daughters who now play at nearby libraries and parks. Yet Rohatgi never planned to run for office until he joined a state redistricting team in 2021. Working side by side with Republicans, Democrats, and independents showed him what local leadership could look like: solving real problems instead of arguing about politics. His campaign focuses on five key areas where he believes the county council has room for improvement. First, he wants to keep national political fights out of local decisions. Rohatgi argues that even when council members disagree, they should still work together to help families in the community. Second, he insists on stronger public health and safety measures, like supporting the local health department and crisis centers rather than cutting services. Third, he wants to invest more in parks and libraries—the places where his kids spend time and where neighbors meet without labels like “Republican” or “Democrat. ”Infrastructure is another big concern. Rohatgi points out that snow removal, road repairs, and energy costs affect everyone, not just political insiders. He also wants stricter rules for large data centers moving into the area. His checklist includes no secret deals, no special tax breaks, local hiring, full infrastructure costs covered, and strict environmental oversight. Before approving any project, he’d demand answers about traffic, energy use, water safety, and pollution—making sure residents’ concerns come first. This grassroots effort runs on small donations and volunteers. Over 250 people have contributed, with many giving $50 or less. Neighbors have knocked on doors, mailed postcards, and hosted meet-and-greets. Rohatgi’s wife handles most childcare while he balances campaigning with his math career. His knowledge of data and his experience on the redistricting team give him a unique perspective on fair, practical governance. Rohatgi’s message is simple: local government should work for everyone, not just a few. He doesn’t claim to have all the answers but promises to listen, collaborate, and put the community’s needs above party lines. For voters in District B, his pitch is clear—he’s already invested in the area as a resident, a parent, and a neighbor.