Frequently Asked Questions
WHY AM I RUNNING FOR CITY COUNCIL?
I am running for city council because local government makes a big difference in the daily lives of people, who deserve to be served by individuals vested in our vibrant community where everyone feels welcomed and included. I believe in the power of this community and I want the future to be bright for everyone. All of our kids deserve to experience Rochester as a safe, welcoming place where they can find a home and build their future — just as my wife and I did when we moved to Ward 2 twenty eight years ago.
WHY VOTE FOR ME?
My 28 years of extensive leadership experience and community involvement in Rochester sets me apart. I've tackled issues like housing, childcare, arts, youth and sports through both executive board roles and hands-on volunteer work. My experience spans nonprofit groups, businesses, and local government, with a proven track record of developing partnerships to drive action. I am a values-driven leader who demonstrates authenticity and heart, experienced in bringing people together to build consensus and collaboration and drive action.
WHAT IS YOUR TOP PRIORITY IN THIS RACE?
Affordable Living is the most important issue I’m hearing from residents. In addition to inflation, affordable housing is a critical issue not only for our lower income residents, but also for young families and retirees who want to downsize. It is also a significant contributor to our rising homelessness. When so many residents are challenged with affordable living, we must be cautious about increasing property taxes right now. Instead, the city needs to practice fiscal stewardship, prioritizing expenses and major infrastructure projects.
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?
Leadership experience and community involvement. My 28 years of extensive leadership experience and community involvement in Rochester sets me apart. I've tackled issues like housing, childcare, arts, youth and sports through both executive board roles and hands-on volunteer work. My experience spans nonprofit groups, businesses, and local government, with a proven track record of developing partnerships to drive action.
True public servant. I have no desire to be a full-time politician and believe in working citizen representation in local government. I also believe local government should avoid partisan politics and divisive special interest endorsements. The only endorsement I am seeking is that of my Ward 2 neighbors.
Fiscal stewardship. It’s critical for the city council to be fiscal stewards of our resources, and ensure the city can support long term maintenance before initiating major new projects. Affordability is a significant issue for our community – government growth, taxes and fees must be scrutinized.
Public safety and homelessness. Public safety and homelessness are top priorities. We must prioritize fully staffing and equipping police and fire departments, while partnering with co-responders and social services to address both emergency and non-emergency situations. Combating homelessness remains paramount, necessitating collaboration among local businesses, nonprofits as well as city, county and state government.
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?
I am deeply concerned about the increase of homelessness and unsheltered individuals and families in our community. The current situation is not acceptable, and the city must be part of the solution and make this a top priority. Addressing homelessness, particularly among those with mental health issues, requires a well-rounded strategy that combines healthcare, housing and social services. Currently, we have a pressing need for overnight accommodations — from street shelters to safer options for those living in their cars. Looking ahead, city collaborations with the county, state, non profit organizations and businesses can boost services for our homeless and invisible homeless residents, including emergency and transitional housing, mental health services, rehabilitation programs and life skills training. Ultimately our goal should be to eliminate homelessness through private-public partnerships focused on affordable housing, job training and employment services, social service coordination and outreach programs.
I am very encouraged and supportive of the Any Path Forward public-private collaboration and look forward to their recommendations in November. This is an issue close to my heart, as my birth mother was homeless when I was born. My campaign has also been collecting clothing donations for The Landing MN, and will collect donations for other homeless charities over the course of my campaign.
HOW CAN A COUNCIL MEMBER INCREASE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND COMMUITY INPUT IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS?
In order to truly represent the issues and concerns of constituents, a city council member must be regularly listening to and soliciting input from the neighbors they are representing. If elected, in addition to working with community groups and neighborhood associations in my Ward, I will host community conversations and listening sessions on key issues. I also believe the city should create formal and predictable mechanisms, such as open-sessions to facilitate dialogue between city council members and the community as well as web sites that allow for input and feedback to facilitate broad input on important topics and issues.
HOW IS AN AFFORDABLE HOME DEFINED?
The city council, as well as the state and federal government, use the concept of 30% of income for housing. So, looking at the reality of a couple working at MN’s state minimum wage, with no debt, good credit score, and a family budget that would allow for them to spend 30% of their income on a home, an affordable home for them would be in the price range of $135,000 to $185,000
Here is the formula:
Income:
Minnesota’s minimum wage (2024): $10.85 per hour for large employers.
Assuming full-time work (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year), no overtime:
$10.85 per hour X 40 hours per week X 52 weeks = $22, 568 X 2 people = $45,136
Maximum Affordable House Price:
Lenders typically allow a home price up to 3-4 times the buyer’s annual income.
$45,136 X 3 = 135,408
$45, 136 X 4 = 180, 544
Interest rates, taxes, mortgage insurance also play a big role in affordability, so another way to think about it is what can they afford to pay for housing.
Affordable Monthly Housing Costs:
30% of gross income on housing costs.
($45,136 / 12 months ) X .3 = $1,128