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.
Ward 1
Patrick Keane (I)
Why are you running for office, and how does your experience qualify you for the position?
I have always valued local government because it is where people can work together to solve problems and make a real difference. I believe public service is about more than making decisions—it’s about listening, showing up, and being there for the people you represent. If elected, I will continue making it a priority to be accessible and responsive to the residents of Ward 1. My 35-year career at IBM and my eight years on Council gives me a strong background for Council decision making. I will use my business experience, and my practical approach while representing Ward 1 on our City Council. It has been an honor to serve our City these last eight years, and I would be honored to continue to serve our community on the Rochester City Council.
What are your top two priorities/issues?
1. Efficient, accountable, and transparent local government:
One of my goals is to work for an efficient local government where operational oversight is expected and outcomes are measured. Residents deserve to understand how public resources are being used, with the sources and uses of those resources openly shared. Public input should be a meaningful part of the decision-making process—not an afterthought.
2. A city government that is responsive to the community:
When you have an important issue or need help navigating City Hall, you should be able to reach someone who will listen and help. I consider one of my council responsibilities is to connect residents and businesses with City staff to ensure concerns receive a fair hearing.
Rochester is experiencing unprecedented growth, construction, and disruption as we move toward 2027. Navigating our streets can be challenging—and, at times, downright frustrating. With public and private investment at record levels, we need to manage that growth thoughtfully, minimize unnecessary disruption, and recognize the impact construction can have on existing businesses.
Growth is exciting and we need affordable housing for all, but it also comes with responsibility. I want to make sure Ward 1 residents and businesses have a strong voice as Rochester moves forward.
Lisa Ross
Why are you running for office, and how does your experience qualify you for the position?
I am running for Rochester City Council because I believe public service starts with being present, listening to people, and doing the work to turn their concerns into solutions. Rochester has been my home for more than 49 years, and I have seen our community grow, change, and face new challenges. I want to help ensure that growth benefits the people who already call Rochester home while creating opportunities for the next generation.
My experience is rooted in both community service and practical leadership. I have worked alongside law enforcement through community engagement and public-safety initiatives, mentored and coached young people, worked with families and community organizations, and served on Rochester’s Planning and Zoning Commission. As a small-business owner, I also understand the challenges businesses face with rising costs, workforce needs, and navigating growth. These experiences have taught me how to bring people with different perspectives together, ask difficult questions, and focus on workable solutions. I’m not running to make promises that City Council cannot realistically deliver. I’m running to advocate, lead, and deliver—by being accessible, accountable, and willing to work collaboratively to get results for Ward 1 and Rochester.
What are your top two priorities/issues?
First, Rochester must remain a city where people can afford to live, work, raise a family, retire, and operate a business. That means expanding attainable housing options while being responsible with taxes, fees, utility costs, and city spending. I support smart growth that strengthens our tax base, uses infrastructure efficiently, protects established neighborhoods, and supports local businesses. Before asking residents to pay more, we should continually examine how we prioritize and spend the resources we already have.
Second, I want to strengthen the safety and overall well-being of our neighborhoods. Public safety requires strong police, fire, and emergency services, but it also requires prevention, youth engagement, stable families, economic opportunity, and strong relationships between residents and the people who serve them. My years of community engagement have shown me the value of addressing problems before they become crises. Ward 1 includes established neighborhoods, businesses, major employment centers, and families with very different needs. My goal is to make sure those voices are represented as Rochester grows—and that our decisions produce measurable results for the people who live here.