Meet Council Candidate Heather Holmes
Ward: Ward 1
Official Bio:
Heather Holmes is an independent marketing and communications consultant with over two decades of experience.
Most recently, her work has been with Rochester Area Economic Development as vice president of marketing and current project manager of the Journey to Growth initiative; addressing regional issues such as workforce and labor shortages, affordable housing, livable wages and base business growth to increase our economic diversity and vitality.
Heather is an only child and grew up in a small, rural community, Karlsruhe, North Dakota. Her high school graduating class of eight included herself and seven boys.
Heather’s career began in television journalism at News 12 Networks in Norwalk, Connecticut (serving the New York City suburban market). She has numerous awards for storytelling, video production and editing; including two Emmy nominations.
Heather and her husband, daughter and two fur babies have lived in Rochester for ten years. In her free time, she is with her family, spending time with friends, or volunteering – usually, all three intersect!
Currently, she serves on the University of Minnesota Extension’s Rural Workforce Entrepreneur Recruitment and Retention advisory committee, the Ronald McDonald House board of trustees and Rotary District 5960 board of directors. She serves as chair of the Rotary District public image team, is a member of the Rotary Club of Rochester, Toastmasters Club and engages in numerous community volunteer efforts.
Your key platforms
Transportation & Infrastructure. As Rochester looks to future expansion, there will be growing pains that will press on our current transportation infrastructure. This can include mass transit, road and bridge repair, residential street upkeep, bike/walking paths, properly funded public works projects and congestion.
Public Safety. To live our lives completely, we must all feel safe in our community and neighborhoods. Every citizen deserves quality of life that includes a safe environment. It should include collaboration among the city, law enforcement and neighborhood organizations.
Affordable housing for all citizens. The burden of an unmaintainable mortgage or rent can cripple a household budget. Current process and regulations are creating unnecessary barriers. The housing issue is affecting all citizens; families, single individuals and seniors are all feeling the pinch.
Why should your ward vote for you?
"The opportunity to represent my ward one neighbors would be a privilege. I believe in service leadership; empathy, listening and following through with commitments is imperative to effect positive change. I take that responsibility seriously. I promise to be accessible, available and approachable to those who depend on me to represent their concerns.
What do you envision for the future of Rochester?
We are experiencing tremendous growth and will continue to do so in the next 15 years. A number of my neighbors express concern about safety and getting "too big." But it is important to grow in order to thrive, not just survive. I lived out east for 10 years and I can tell you our city is beautiful and safe. I'm so proud to live here. We don't have to lose our beauty and safety as we grow.
What are your connections to The Mayo Clinic? How do you plan to work with The Mayo Clinic?
Everyone who lives in Rochester has a connection to Mayo Clinic. They are the heartbeat of the City. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer 9 years ago. Her options for treatment and surgery back home were limited and honestly, very concerning. She was able to receive her healthcare at Mayo. I know they saved her life. I have had other family and friends come to Mayo and I'm proud to be able to be a familiar connection in my city when they visit our world-class health care facility. Through the past four years of economic development projects, I have worked with numerous individuals at the Mayo Clinic. I will continue such collaboration and always look for way to improve our communication.
What are your connections to the DMC? How do you plan to work with the DMC?
RAEDI (Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc.) and DMC work closely on a number projects and strategies. I have had the opportunity to work with many of the team at DMC EDA. They have the same concerns as any other citizen in Rochester and are doing good work. It is the largest economic development initiative in the state's history and it's happening in Rochester, not to the north of us. I think that's pretty impressive.
How would you address the concerns of citizens about the loss of some of the city's older and potentially historic buildings to new development?
Rochester is growing. It seems there is something new around every corner every day. It is important to preserve our history and buildings we can save, we should save. The questions that arise are safety and affordability. Can we preserve a building, make it safe and do so without breaking the bank? Creative solutions and conversations from all stakeholders is important. It sounds simple, but it's surprising how often that doesn't happen.
Favorite Rochester Moment?
Before my dad passed away 7 years ago, he spent a majority of the warm months with us. He LOVED Rochester. He loved to explore the city and became great friends with the neighbors. He and I snuck away more than a few times for golf at one of the great courses in town. I have so many special memories in so many places around Rochester. I feel so blessed!
What’s one thing you want the Rochester community to know about you?
Most people aren't aware that I served in the Army National Guard as a diesel mechanic for six years. I've always been a bit of tomboy, but military training pushes you to the limits. It taught me that I was stronger, mentally and physically than I realized. It was a great experience that helped develop who I am today. And I'm grateful to our men and women who have served and continue to serve.
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