Like most cities today, Rochester faces a web of problems that fall into three major categories. Here’s what we know: They’re all interconnected. They don’t exist in silos. And we can’t fix just one of them, and succeed, without also addressing the other two. Here’s my basic position on these three issue areas. As the campaign progresses I will be adding more details about specific issues that come under each of these major headings.

Jobs and Economic Development

There’s no argument among us about goals.

To improve the job market and the economy, we need to bring more business to Rochester, and to help existing businesses grow. We can do that by building on our regions strengths.

The 21st Century Economy.  Whether it’s the first vaccine to prevent cancer, or green fuel technology that will promote energy independence, the Rochester region is home to world-class colleges and universities, literally laboratories of innovation. We need to work to ensure that some of the ideas being created on campus are brought into production here in Rochester. This will create good, 21st century jobs that will allow people to support a family and a community.

The Arts Engine.  Rochester is also home to world-class cultural institutions: The Eastman School of Music, Garth Fagan Dance, and the Rochester Philharmonic, to name just a few. These resources are more than just sources of entertainment. They are a major section of our area economy. If properly supported and promoted, they can be drivers of economic growth. Cultural tourism will create jobs, but it will also attract fellow artists, performers and “creative types” who may well consider making Rochester their home, further diversifying our economy and enriching our community.

Neighborhood Economics.  It’s vital that our efforts address neighborhood economic development as well. Healthy neighborhoods have access to grocery stores, banks, and services that provide a basic level of self-sufficiency to our residents. This creates important jobs, but it also builds to a sense of community, and neighborhoods we can take pride in.

Public Safety

We all share this goal: Neighborhoods where children can play, where seniors feel safe at night, where small business owners see opportunity to open for business rather than reasons to close. We can achieve that when we

• Provide the police department with the resources they need
• Create an environment where police and the community work together

In my experience as a community association president I saw firsthand that when the police know neighbors and neighbors know the police, an atmosphere of mutual trust and partnership grows and thrives

Education

George Eastman often said that education is the answer to most of life’s problems. Here in Eastman’s hometown, we need to embrace that. We need to create an environment where our public schools thrive. Current state law doesn’t allow for the city to have much say in the Rochester City Schools, but there are opportunities. As a city council member, I’ll work with my colleagues on city council and the school board to get involved with schools wherever possible. And we can do more to encourage community groups and business to become partners with our schools.