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
Why are you running for mayor, and how does your experience qualify you for the position?
I'm running for the people of Rochester. Many have shared they feel disconnected from local government and don’t always feel truly welcome in our city. They want to be able to rely on services their tax dollars pay for and the local officials they elect. They want transparency in decision making and information sharing. I want to work to improve all those things.
The plan is an ambitious one and I am up for the challenge. I come with a history of proven leadership. I have experience representing approximately 140,000 people in an at-large capacity through my time on the RPS School Board. In that role I also gained experience overseeing operating budgets worth hundreds of millions of dollars; served on committees and workgroups to further our legislative, policy, and community engagement goals; contributed to the creation and implementation of a robust strategic plan; and cooperated with other governmental bodies and community members to achieve necessary goals for those we served. I also work on a statewide affinity council to advocate for LGBTQIA2S+ Minnesotans in a statewide capacity. My day job has also been as a clinical psychologist or administrator in forensic or community mental health settings where I ensure safety of the public. Being in service of others is just part of who I am.
What are your top two priorities/issues?
People have made clear to me they want a city that is more affordable, accessible, inclusive, and filled with city leaders who will listen to and fight for them. In all of those wants, we’re able to narrow it to the top two broad issue categories: affordability and reliability.
Affordability as I am hearing about it currently encompasses citizens wanting lower property taxes, having difficulties finding affordable housing, and small business owners either having to move locations or close due to ongoing construction reducing patronage of their establishments and rents going up. Reliability encompasses concerns about citizens wanting their tax dollars being spent as indicated (e.g., buses running on time, as scheduled; the city website has communication materials in formats people can read and understand; ability to reach their elected representatives), wanting to trust that when they vote on something (e.g., a referendum) that their representatives will follow through on that promise, and being able to rely on their elected representatives to cast their vote to reflect the will of the people.
As the City of Rochester continues to grow and develop, how do you envision Rochester ten years from now? How can the elected office you're seeking support that vision?
Looking 10 years into the future would mean the active phase of the 20-year, $5.6B Destination Medical Center development plan has been completed. My hope is that the benefits of the project will obviously outweigh the social and economic costs we’re struggling through now. In response, I would like for the city to actively work to implement clear and effective programs and other creative opportunities to support small businesses and residents during future major construction projects. It is my belief that if the government is implementing something that actively disadvantages its own residents, the government should work to ameliorate the challenges. We can do that by developing avenues for clear, culturally responsive support before it is even needed. I would also like to have supported policies that increase the creation of affordable housing; walk/bikeability of the city; more ambitious sustainability initiatives; ensuring accessibility is always a priority for any project; and multimodal, multilingual communication strategies to connect with our constituents. If we can achieve these things, Rochester 10 years from now will be a much stronger city because it will have prioritized its obligation to the people of our city.
Joe Powers
Why are you running for mayor, and how does your experience qualify you for the position?
I am running for mayor because Rochester is at an important point in its growth. We have tremendous opportunities ahead of us, but growth also brings challenges related to housing, infrastructure, affordability, public safety and the cost of government. I want to make sure Rochester remains a safe community where people can build a career, raise a family, start a business and afford to live. My experience has taught me the importance of listening, bringing people together and finding practical solutions. City government works best when elected officials respect taxpayers, support our police, fire and emergency services, collaborate with the business community and community partners, and focus on results rather than politics.
As mayor, I would bring that approach to City Hall. Rochester needs leadership that recognizes the importance of responsible government investment while understanding that higher taxes cannot be the answer to every challenge. We need to establish priorities, fund essential services, use taxpayer dollars wisely and create an environment where businesses, neighborhoods and families can succeed. I am running because I believe Rochester's best years are ahead of us, and I want to help make sure we take advantage of that opportunity.
What are your top two priorities/issues?
My first priority is safe neighborhoods, responsible community growth and affordability. Public safety is one of the most fundamental responsibilities of local government. Rochester must provide our police, fire and emergency services with the resources necessary to keep residents, businesses, and visitors safe. At the same time, we need more housing at all price points, infrastructure that keeps pace with growth and a city government that respects taxpayers. We can invest in these priorities while carefully evaluating spending and avoiding unnecessary increases in the tax burden.
My second priority is economic opportunity and quality of life. Rochester must continue supporting existing businesses, attracting new investment, encouraging entrepreneurship, and preparing our workforce for the jobs of tomorrow. Affordable childcare and workforce training are increasingly important parts of economic competitiveness. City government should not try to accomplish this alone. We should work closely with the business community, RAEDI, DMC, the Chamber of Commerce, Rochester Area Builders, workforce organizations, and our education partners.
A safe, affordable, and economically strong Rochester benefits everyone. As mayor, I would focus City government on those fundamentals.
As the City of Rochester continues to grow and develop, how do you envision Rochester ten years from now? How can the elected office you're seeking support that vision?
Ten years from now, I want Rochester to be recognized as one of the best midsized cities in America to live, work, raise a family and build a business. That starts with being a safe community. People should feel secure in their neighborhoods, businesses should feel confident investing here, and families should know that public safety remains a fundamental priority as Rochester grows. I envision a strong and vibrant downtown, safe neighborhoods, housing choices people at different income levels can afford, excellent parks and public amenities, and infrastructure that has kept pace with our growth. We should build upon the extraordinary presence of Mayo Clinic while continuing to diversify our economy and create opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs throughout the community. Most importantly, I want Rochester to remain Rochester.
Growth should strengthen our community, not diminish the qualities that have made it successful. The mayor can help achieve that vision by bringing people together around shared priorities, supporting strong public safety services, maintaining relationships with businesses and community organizations, advocating for responsible investment and keeping City government focused on excellent core services. Government cannot create prosperity by itself, but it can provide the safe, stable and well-managed community in which prosperity can grow.