Answers for “The Advantage” General Election Feature
“The Advantage”, the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce’s bimonthly magazine, will include a feature on the 2024 General Election that includes the responses from those seeking seats on the Rochester City Council, Olmsted County Board of Commissioners, and State Representative. Below are the answers I provided to the two questions they asked of each candidate.
Why are you running for City Council and how does your experience qualify you for the position?
I decided to run for City Council to actively participate in shaping policies that will benefit both current and future residents of Rochester, ensuring it becomes the best possible place for everyone to call home.
My extensive community volunteer experiences, coupled with my professional role as the Pastor of People of Hope Lutheran Church, have equipped me with the skills necessary to be an effective leader on the Council. I pride myself on being an attentive listener, deeply committed to addressing and acting on the concerns of others. My ability to collaborate with individuals holding diverse viewpoints allows me to tackle problems effectively. I excel at processing large volumes of information and distilling it into clear, actionable insights, which aids in making informed decisions. Regularly balancing budgets and handling complex financial issues are integral parts of my professional life. Ultimately, as a servant leader, I prioritize the needs of those I represent, placing their interests above my own agenda.
What are your top two priorities/issues as a candidate for City Council?
My foremost priority is tackling Rochester’s affordable housing crisis. The City Council and the City must be innovative in their approaches to providing housing that is both accessible and respectful. This involves revisiting the unified development code to enable more infill housing opportunities and creating incentives for developers to build affordable homes. Equally important is addressing homelessness in our community. While public safety concerns are valid, the City must focus on compassionate care and support for those facing homelessness. We need to address the root causes, such as mental health and addiction, and work proactively to connect people with existing housing options. By preventing homelessness before it starts and offering support tailored to individual needs, we can foster a more inclusive and supportive community for everyone.
