Answers to Post Bulletin Questions
When I made it past the primary election, Randy Peterson from the Post Bulletin reached out with four questions to each of the candidates to provide insight to Rochester voters. I am not sure when the post bulletin will publish these, so I thought I would share the questions and my answers to them here.
What do you see as the key issue that sets you apart from your opponent, and how is it important to the city of Rochester?
During the primary, the citizens of Rochester heard from each of the candidates about the need for more affordable housing in our city. This is my key issue and what distinguishes me from my opponent is that I have acted to both create and help people move into affordable housing. I acted and led a group of people to realize that an underutilized portion of their property could be used to create affordable (workforce) housing for our community. I acted and worked in collaboration with county officials to create a proposal for this housing that also included units for those experiencing long-term homelessness and those who would receive county services. I acted and worked alongside a developer to secure state funding to build this affordable housing complex. I acted and fought the NIMBYism that eventually stopped this project from moving forward. I continue to take action to advocate for more affordable, accessible, and senior housing in our city. In terms of helping folks get into housing, I have acted and walked beside those who have contacted me for help to navigate the barriers to help them achieve housing. During volunteer shifts at the Dorothy Day House, I have acted to help folks contact city and county officials to secure housing. I believe that the affordable housing crisis is one of the biggest obstacles that Rochester will face in the next 10 years, and we need people of action in leadership positions to ensure that all Rochester citizens have a safe and affordable place to live. I have a demonstrated record of taking action.
What do you see as top priorities when it comes to pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure in the city?
When talking about bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in the city, I believe that safety and accessibility should be our top priorities. In terms of cycling, we have a great system of dedicated cycling trails already present in the city. Some of the trails, however, are in a state of disrepair and need to be addressed for safety reasons. I have also heard from residents of Ward 6 that they feel unsafe cycling on their neighborhood streets due to vehicles traveling at high speeds. I feel that the speed limit reduction that has taken place on unmarked, neighborhood streets has helped to alleviate this fear, but I would like to see more enforcement of these limits. I am interested in the effectiveness of the traffic calming measures that have happened in a few of our neighborhoods (in Ward 6 and Kutzky Park for example) and I wonder if, proven effective, these could also be utilized throughout the neighborhoods in our city. Regarding pedestrians, I often wonder about accessibility. I have spoken with folks who utilize mobility devices and wheelchairs, and they have shared that some neighborhoods do not have curb cutouts to make things accessible. They have also shared that some sidewalks are not maintained in a way in which they are safe for them to utilize. These issues should be rectified. We, as a city, also need to address the walking hazards contained in Peace Plaza as soon as possible. Finally, I appreciate the pedestrian crosswalks with lights that were installed along Broadway in the Lowertown neighborhood. I believe that this is something we should also explore on other high-traffic streets in Rochester.
What is the city’s role in addressing homelessness in the community, and is there anything you would change in the city’s current approach?
One of the main reasons I decided to run for public office is my desire to help address the issue of people facing homelessness in our community. I was part of a group of community leaders who advocated against the City passing the ordinance prohibiting camping in public spaces. While I understand the argument for public safety, I feel like this ordinance, if enforced, would provide another barrier for people to secure housing (a misdemeanor on their record). Rather than the City passing ordinances like these, I believe the City’s role is to be innovative in the ways that it can offer compassionate care and support to those experiencing homelessness in our community. We need to explore the core issues of why people face homelessness in the first place – mental health, addiction, etc. We need to look at the person as a whole when talking about homelessness. The City needs to take a more active role in connecting people to housing units that already exist and making a concerted effort to prevent homelessness from ever taking root in someone’s life. I am excited about the collaboration between the City of Rochester and Olmsted County (Any Path Home) to address the issue of people facing homelessness. We will only be able to solve the issue of people facing homelessness through collective and collaborative action between the County, City, service providers, and our local community. I am excited to be - if elected - a part of this important work.
How can a council member increase community participation in local government and community input in the decision-making process?
I think that a council member can increase the participation of community members in local government and the decision-making process by being available to listen to the thoughts and concerns that they are called to represent and act on them. This takes active listening skills, time, and energy. I have all three of these to offer the residents of Ward 6. I have always made it a priority in my life to listen to others with the intent of understanding their perspectives, and I know that when people feel like they have been listened to and understood they become more involved. While I intend to continue my work as a faith leader if elected, I do not have a typical 9-5 job which means I will be available to meet with citizens when it is convenient for them so that I can represent them while making decisions on the Council. I am comfortable communicating with citizens through whatever means in most convenient for them (phone, text, social media, in person, etc.) as I need to adapt to their needs and place them over my own. Finally, I am a highly passionate person who gives my all to everything that I am involved in. I love the city of Rochester and want to see it continue to thrive in the years ahead. I would not have run to represent Ward 6 if I could not bring the energy required to fulfill my duty on the City Council. If elected, I promise to give my all to represent Ward 6 and the city as a whole to the very best of my abilities. I have and will continue to invite residents to reach out to me with their questions and concerns as I will always have the time and energy to listen and act on their behalf. This is the formula to increase the participation of community members.
