Photo provided by Shaun Palmer
Photo provided by Shaun Palmer
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Ward: Ward 5

Official Bio:

I was born, raised and educated in Rochester. I am proud to have lived here my entire life and raised my family here as well. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Industry with a Construction Option from Winona State University and an Associate’s Degree from Rochester Community College. I am currently a Project Manager with Great Lakes Superior Walls. I am also a Swim Instructor and Member Service Representative with the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center. In my free time, I enjoy running, and I am about to reach my goal of running my 9th Boston Marathon. I am a member/supporter of a dozen nonprofit organizations around the community including Camp Olson YMCA, Quarry Hill Nature Center, Rochester Arts Center and others. I have also held numerous leadership positions at these organizations including Past Chairman of Olmsted County Environmental Commission, Past President of Camp Olson YMCA Board of Directors, and Founder of the Winona Yacht Club. I look forward to listening and bringing forward Ward 5 citizens’ ideas and concerns, contributing to city decisions and helping guide the future of the city of Rochester.

Your key platforms 

1. DMC Development – We need to be sure the DMC plans work for all the neighborhoods, not just the downtown area.
2. Parks Department – We need to provide enough resources for the Parks Department to properly serve the citizens of Rochester by changing the funding mechanisms to work for us.
3. Affordable Housing – We need to protect existing neighborhoods and commit to more workforce and affordable housing. For every $1000, we can lower the cost of housing and 3000 more families can have homes. We need to eliminate the high fees for sewer and electricity hook-ups and provide TIF financing so more families can move into our already great neighborhoods.

Why should your ward vote for you?

I will always use, ”What’s best for the 5th Ward” when I make decisions and because I am a good listener, I will seek out all opinions. I want to facilitate the citizens’ voices being heard by our leaders. Rochester deserves leaders who have experience in the issues at hand, a desire to see our city improve, and a commitment of caring for the future of Rochester. I have the proven leadership experience, and I am the candidate that can be your voice and accomplish these goals.

What do you envision for the future of Rochester?

I see Rochester becoming an even greater city. I see a future with housing affordable to everyone, a city growing in the right ways with carefully thought-out DMC plans, and a city where families can enjoy parks, trails, and activities outdoors. Rochester will grow with DMC and Mayo Clinic expansion, but I want to see the growth have a positive impact on our neighborhoods and our residents who have lived here their entire lives.

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

I was born at St. Mary’s Hospital at a cost of $150. I work as a Swim Instructor and Member Services Representative at Mayo Clinic’s Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center. Mayo Clinic is Rochester’ largest employer and drives a majority of traffic, economic development, and service industry in Rochester. Mayo Clinic is the core of our city and the reason many of us are here. It is a place of hope and healing for thousands of people around the world. We need to support Mayo Clinic and development plans surrounding DMC, but we also need to be sure that the support we provide doesn’t negatively impact our neighborhoods, citizens, and those who live in Rochester for reasons other than Mayo.

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

I have no official connections to DMC; however, I do have the construction and industry background that can be a positive experience to have when working with DMC development. DMC will be development and growth affecting not only Mayo Clinic, but the entire city of Rochester. DMC will be a positive change for Rochester overall, but we need to remember to protect and preserve our neighborhoods, green spaces and trails. We need to hear the voices of the citizens who reside in Rochester to be sure the development is for the good of all, not just the downtown area and Mayo Clinic.

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?

Historic preservation is important, especially in Rochester. I was a tour guide at Mayowood when I was in High School and always enjoy the history of Rochester and the buildings and places.

Favorite Rochester Moment?

My favorite moments always involve the people of Rochester and how much they care about other people and the city. When I was the Building Inspector for Rochester, I had the opportunity to go into the Mitchel Center. When I was a child that building was the library, and my memories of going down the stairs come flooding back whenever I get the chance to visit that building. It was such a great place.

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

The one thing I would like the citizens of Rochester to know is that I am committed. Committed to living and growing in this city for years to come. Committed to making sure the voices of Ward 5 residents are heard and taken seriously regarding city issues and decisions. Committed to making good decisions that will benefit the future of our neighborhoods, parks, transportation systems, housing plans, and downtown areas. Committed to listening to the people in my ward and relaying their feelings to the council in a respectful and positive way.

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