DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in the candidates responses are the sole views of their own. They do not reflect the opinions or views of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce or its members. The candidate statements below do not imply the expression of any endorsement whatsoever by the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce or its members.
Dr. Jess Garcia
Given the Rochester areas current growth, how would you support economic development and revitalization across the city?
The biggest economic engine in our city is currently the Destination Medical Center (DMC). Since the mayor has a seat at the table of the DMC Corporation and the DMC is a collaborative between Mayo Clinic, local government, community partners, and the business community, that is one natural way to remain actively involved with one corner of our city’s economic development. Beyond that, I am in favor of supporting equitable economic development efforts that work to improve the lives of the working class and everyday people in Rochester through tri-government (School Board, County, and City governments) cooperation. Furthermore, I would certainly champion business community-lead efforts to urge City Council to support small business owners in ways detailed in the following item, as well as through accessing networking opportunities and obtaining field-related education/training that are more affordable for them.
A strong relationship between local government and the business community is essential to a thriving economy. How would you foster a strong partnership between the city and the business community, from policy decisions to quality of life?
Better partnerships between the business community and local government is an area of need I recognized early in my campaign. I held a listening session for small business owners, have attended a Chamber of Commerce event focused on “linking” leaders and the business industry, and I’ve continued to touch base with small business owners in- and outside downtown Rochester. While policy decisions will come from the City Council, I would be happy to support policies that promote increased quality of life for our business owners and workers. I also want to promote some very clear asks from a community leader and small business owner. Specifically, they want the city to be proactive in their outreach to diverse businesses; support navigation of upgrading things like essential retail infrastructure; and offer clear resources for city mediation when dealing with issues such as complex neighborhood property boundaries, easements, and structural maintenance disputes.
Joe Powers
Given the Rochester areas current growth, how would you support economic development and revitalization across the city?
Our community has been revitalizing for more than 50 years. We have a great record of working together to improve our community for all of us and for the millions of patients who come to Rochester for life-saving care.
I will continue to be the tireless supporter of Rochester and our people that I’ve been for over 40 years. We need people who will take a risk and build the amenities we need. If someone is interested in building a fine arts center or an entertainment complex, I’ll bring everyone together to discuss what the community need is and how to get it done.
We need to bring new business here, yes. But we also need to support the people and businesses who are here now. What do they need to grow and expand? How can we help them get through construction?
By leaning on my experiences and relationships, I will make sure we get new projects done.
A strong relationship between local government and the business community is essential to a thriving economy. How would you foster a strong partnership between the city and the business community, from policy decisions to quality of life?
I love this question! For too long, decisions have been getting made at city hall without enough of the valuable advice and counsel from experts in their field.
For example, despite working on the issue for years, no one from the city reached out to the Rochester Sports Foundation to ask their thoughts on a new facility. What we truly needed? What have other similar-sized cities experienced?
And when the Sports Foundation asked to be involved, we were politely ignored. Had the city listened to us the Regional Sports Center project wouldn’t be in the trouble it is.
I think there has been a general reluctance by city staff to let people who truly understand banking, real estate, management, and tourism weigh in on issues. And I think that has made some projects more expensive, take longer, and miss the mark.
I want those people to feel comfortable weighing in on issues. They will make our projects better.