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 5
Shaun Palmer (I)
Why are you running for office, and how does your experience qualify you for the position?
It has been a privilege to serve the residents of Rochester's 5th Ward since I was first elected in 2018 and reelected in 2022 with 72% of the vote. I remain committed to representing our neighborhoods with integrity, accessibility, and common sense.
Over the past 30 years, I have closely followed the work of the Rochester City Council. The most effective council members listen carefully, respect differing viewpoints, and keep the best interests of Rochester residents at the center of every decision. That is the approach I have taken during my time in office, and it is the approach I will continue to bring to City Hall.
What are your top two priorities/issues?
My priorities for the next term include:
Continuing to serve all 5th Ward residents and being accessible to those I represent.
Listening to every voice and engaging with people from different backgrounds and experiences.
Keeping affordability at the forefront of city budgeting while ensuring public safety remains a top priority.
Supporting policies that expand homeownership opportunities and help families build long-term financial security.
Ensuring major community investments, including the Rapid Transit system and regional sports and recreation facilities, deliver on promises and provide value for taxpayers.
Rochester continues to grow and evolve, bringing both opportunities and challenges. My experience, proven record of service, and commitment to thoughtful leadership will help ensure our city remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Ruchi Gupta
Why are you running for office, and how does your experience qualify you for the position?
I am running for council because I believe that our community deserves leadership that listens to and represents the interests of all residents. I have worked as a statistical programmer for many years, and I was looking for a new direction. That led me to join the Planning and Zoning Commission, where I was nominated Vice Chair and Chair. This is my second serving as Chair.
Serving on that commission provided valuable insight into how our local government operates and makes decisions. It also reinforced my interest in public service and showed me how crucial public commissions are in shaping the daily lives of residents. Rochester needs leaders who stand up for their constituents. My opponent Shaun Palmer has failed to decisively stand up for Rochester when it mattered, failing to speak out against ICE and sign the Amicus Brief urging ICE to leave Minnesota. Or by voting to overturn the Heritage Preservation Commission's protections against the downtown Broadway buildings. Ward Five deserves a council member that will stand up for their interests. My combination of analytical problem-solving skills, Planning and Zoning Commission experiences, and a commitment to transparency fully qualifies me for this position.
What are your top two priorities/issues?
My top two priorities if elected to council are to first organize neighborhood networks and organizations across Ward 5. The network would give residents a structured pipeline to me as their local representative. A council member's primary duty is to ensure that all of their constituents' voices are represented. Currently, members of my ward report that their emails often go unanswered and their concerns are frequently dismissed. I view this as an urgent area for direct improvement, and if elected, I am committed to building a transparent, reliable communication infrastructure where all members of the ward are represented.
Secondly, I would focus on protecting and ensuring the longevity of Rochester's small business community. I would do this through logical protections and by supporting predictable development that builds diversity. By doing this and streamlining zoning decisions, we can ensure existing small businesses remain successful while attracting new development that serves our community. Together I believe we can build a resilient local economy that balances thoughtful growth with the stability of our local small business.