As local legislators who sometimes have executive power, council members can propose ordinances, set administrative policy, and authorize the budget proposed by the mayor. They oversee all city activities, including city services, programs, licensing, and public safety. Mayoral appointments to city government typically require council approval. Learn more here: https://www.lwv.org/blog/voting-local-matters-why-vote-city-council Use the MN Secretary of State’s Candidate Filing page (https://candidates.sos.state.mn.us/) to find specific candidate contact information. A candidate forum for this race is available at https://youtu.be/Fx0n8xVNLA8?si=OgTpz6IhJtFZg741. More MN forums are available at https://www.lwvmn.org/2024-candidate-forums.
Contact Phone
507-850-2131
As a young father and financial professional, I will bring a fresh perspective to the council, and I am committed to fostering collaboration and connections at all levels of our community. I will make data-informed and financially-productive decisions that ensure Rochester thrives and that more voices are heard as we build a better future together. I have a master’s in accounting and have practiced as a financial analyst in many states and internationally for 15+ years. I've been civically engaged in different cities, including being a leader in my neighborhood. My diverse experiences and active community involvement in Rochester Parks Foundation, We Bike Rochester, and ISAIAH MN will help us address Rochester's needs through collaboration.
Affordability: The high cost of assessments, property taxes, and housing limits home ownership. We must work to provide more diverse options in housing and transportation. Growth Planning: With Rochester’s rapid growth, it’s essential to invest in projects that are financially productive with long-term benefits. I will support developments that expand our tax base and improve infrastructure. Community Engagement: We must trust and ensure all voices are heard in decision-making processes.
Our community is better off when we all have a chance to participate in shaping the future! I have been proactively building community connections in my own neighborhood and across the city by showing up, listening, and learning from people where they are – at local events, neighborhood meetings, and community spaces. My campaign is built on reaching people, and I’m knocking on 1,000s of doors to ensure that our local decisions are more representative and inclusive.
People receive information from an increasingly wide number of sources, and the city has struggled to reach everyone with timely information. I will promote transparency and accountability by providing regular updates on decisions and initiatives through multiple channels – electronically and in person. I will advocate for accessible public meetings, detailed reporting of council activities, and an open-door policy for community feedback.
I am a values-driven leader who demonstrates authenticity and heart, experienced in bringing people together to build consensus and collaboration to drive action. Over my 28-year leadership career at Mayo Clinic, I have had the opportunity to drive positive change, build inclusive teams and manage complex budgets. In addition, I have consistently devoted time and energy to numerous community organizations and institutions, including board roles with the Rochester Airport Board, Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority, SPARK Rochester Children's Museum, and the Rochester Art Center. I also roll up my sleeves and regularly volunteer at numerous community events, sporting events, and service organizations.
Through conversations with Ward 2 residents and personal experiences, the priorities I will focus on are:
1) Growing the number of affordable housing options and supporting transportation infrastructure without disrupting established neighborhoods. 2) Supporting small businesses to lead to a more diverse and resilient economy. And 3) Prioritizing public safety while remaining committed to prudent fiscal stewardship.
Throughout my career I have used multiple techniques to collect the thoughts, ideas and feelings of others to drive meaningful action- from survey research to one-on-one conversations. I will use these techniques as well as seek out input from others by making myself visible and accessible within our community, facilitating dialogues with Ward 2 neighborhood associations and residents, engaging in sidewalk conversations and leveraging social media.
The city provides access to meetings and information through the city website, although additional indexing by topic would ease residents’ ability to find and follow items of interest as they cross various committees and commissions. However, this information reflects what has already been decided- I would seek ways to more proactively bring topics to the public’s attention earlier in the process to increase transparency, input and engagement.
