Photo provided by Kim Sin
Photo provided by Kim Sin
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Ward: Ward 1

Website: n/a

Official Bio:

I came to the US penniless as a refugee around 6 years old. I escaped the brutal Khmer Rouge genocide with my family as a toddler. Many children did not make it alive and many people escaped without children since they were a liability. In 1983, my family was relocated to the US in Rochester, MN sponsored by the Lutheran church organization. I have graduated from Mayo High School, Rochester Community and Technical College and received my Bachelor’s Degree from Winona State University. I am happily married to Raingsey and I have two beautiful daughters name Malina and Kambria. I have been volunteering with Rochester community for 22 years and I am currently servicing on the Olmsted County United Way Board Members. I have been recognized local and international for my outstanding services awards such as Champion of Diversity Award in 2003, Cambodia programs Collaboration Award in 2010 and NAACP George Gibbs Meritorious Community Service Award for Leadership Education and Faithful Service to the Entire Rochester Community in 2013. Having lived in Rochester for 35 years, I want to ensure that our city safe and we continue to grow together.

Your key platforms 

  • Affordable housing
  • Public transportation for all
  • • Livable wages

We need a city that works for everyone – no one should have to move outside Rochester just to find a home. A forward focus on living and working in an inclusive Rochester requires we help individuals now, so that we continue to grow a successful community in the future.

Why should your ward vote for you?

As your city council member, I will listen to and represent, all members of our shared community to have a better understand our needs and identify where public policy can have a positive impact. I work hard for effective ways that public policy can help create an opportunity for members of our communities so we all can thrive. A diverse group of our community will have challenges as the cost of living continues to rise, while, at the same time, wages fail to keep pace. I believe in providing services that benefit all people. My ability to form and work within effective relationships among all of Rochester’s stakeholders will help move Rochester towards a bright future.

What do you envision for the future of Rochester?

Our city must work for everyone in the next 3-5 years, providing affordable housing near accessible transportation serving all work shifts to jobs providing living wages. Rochester’s economic growth is fueled by mindful, continuous promotion of local education opportunities. Once I received my AA at RCTC, I found a living wage position; however, as I finished my BA at Winona State University, I could advance to my current position at UM-Rochester. Promoting educational pathways increases employability for both Rochester Citizens and the thousands of others living in surrounding communities who help promote Rochester’s growth. Federal and state funding currently promotes workforce development, but our city council ensures transportation, housing and basic jobs are options for folks, like me, who need that educational opportunity to advance.

What are your connections to The Mayo Clinic? How do you plan to work with The Mayo Clinic?

I don’t have a lot of connections with Mayo Clinic, but I know that Mayo Clinic has saved my life when I became very ill as a young child. We are very fortunate to have Mayo Clinic, as one of the best healthcare services in the world. Mayo Clinic is the heart and soul of our community and it is important that I to continue to work with Mayo Clinic mission and values. As an entrepreneur, my wife and I have started successful small businesses because of the Mayo Clinic. A lot of our clients are most Mayo Clinic employees and Mayo Clinic patients.

What are your connections to the DMC? How do you plan to work with the DMC?

I was part of the initiatives subcommittee of the Arts and Culture/Civic/Entertainment planning for DMC. If elected as city council, It is important that I continue to work with DMC on their economic development project and making Rochester a world-class healthcare provider.

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?

I understand it is heartbreaking to a heritage preservation building get demolished. It is important to have an open communication to address the concerns of citizens why a heritage preservation building was replaced because of its poor, and hazard conditions. As community members, we also need to look at the cost of maintaining the historic building. I’m very supportive in ensuring that historic building doesn't get demolished or being sell to developers as long as the building isn't hazardous to the public.

Favorite Rochester Moment?

I remember the first time my adopted grandparent took my sister and I to the Rochester Parade when it was held at the Silver Lake area. Seeing a lot of people and everyone cheering as the float trolley went by and listening to the marching band playing their music. The best part of Rochester Parade is that my sister and I got lots of candies to bring back home.

What’s one thing you want the Rochester community to know about you?

I understand the importance of hard work, taking educational opportunities, and paying back my community. As a Cambodian-American who came to the US in 1983 at the age of 6, a penniless refugee from a communist country plagued by genocide, starvation and abolishment of education, I know the difference helping others makes. I am the first generation in my family to graduate from college. It was a hard journey for me to get where I am today. If not for the support I received from my mother, brothers and sisters, friends and the Rochester community, my accomplishments would never have been possible.

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