Key issues
Rochester stands at a crossroads
Rochester is a great city, but years of neglect have taken a toll on our essential infrastructure. From crumbling sidewalks to failing sewers, these problems affect residents every day. We believe it’s time to get back to basics and prioritize the fundamental services that make our city livable and safe.
Key Issues Back to Basics:
Rebuilding Rochester's Foundation
Rochester’s infrastructure is aging—and residents are paying the price.
We’re seeing flooding, sinkholes, and crumbling sidewalks, while city leadership prioritizes new debt-funded “nice-to-have” projects. It’s time to take care of the essentials before spending on extras.
Storm Sewers: Protecting Homes & Preventing Flooding
The Problem:
Rochester’s storm sewer system is deteriorating—causing sinkholes, erosion, flooding, and costly property damage. Some homeowners have been forced to pay nearly $30,000 out of pocket, while the city claims it lacks the funds to help.
Our Solution:
Dan and Rich will fight to secure funding for critical storm sewer repairs and upgrades. They’ll also push for a proactive maintenance plan to prevent future failures and protect residents from unnecessary financial hardship.
Sidewalks: Who Should Pay the Price?
The Problem:
Rochester has shifted the full cost of sidewalk repairs and snow removal onto some neighborhoods by classifying many sidewalks as “Private Trails.” This has led to unfair financial burdens—some residents are facing special assessments over $1,200, while neighborhoods like Stony Creek Ridge have spent tens of thousands on repairs.
Our Solution:
Dan and Rich will fight to ensure that all residents have the same basic services. By reallocating resources and securing funding, they’ll work to ensure these costs are shared fairly—not shouldered by homeowners alone.
Traffic Safety: Making Our Streets Safe for Everyone
The Problem:
Speeding and high traffic volumes are creating dangerous conditions in Rochester neighborhoods—especially for children and pedestrians.
Our Solution:
Dan and Rich will work with police and traffic engineers to implement effective traffic management tools like calming stripes, better signage, innovative technology, and increased patrols—making our streets safer for everyone.
Fiscal Responsibility
Spending Your Tax Dollars Wisely
Fiscal challenges have resulted from misguided priorities. The City has stated it cannot afford to provide basic infrastructure maintenance to many residents and has abdicated this responsibility even though they implemented a special infrastructure millage and added infrastructure charges to our sewer and water bills. Now they are borrowing money to build nice-to-have projects.
- Basic infrastructure and safety needs are being overlooked.
- The city continues to invest in “nice-to-have” projects instead of “must-have” services.
- Residents lack clear insight into how funds are being allocated.
Our Solution:
Dan and Rich will prioritize a balanced budget focused on infrastructure, public safety, and essential services. They’ll push for greater transparency so residents know exactly where their money is going—and why.
Responsible Economic Development
Building a Prosperous Future for Rochester
Rochester should continue to grow—but growth must be thoughtful, balanced, and benefit all residents.
Our Solution:
Dan and Rich will champion policies that support sustainable growth and prioritize local businesses. They’ll ensure all development is carefully reviewed for its impact on traffic, infrastructure, and quality of life—preserving what makes Rochester unique while building a stronger future.
Improving Our Neighborhoods
Working Together to Beautify and Protect Our Neighborhoods
We believe Rochester thrives when neighborhoods are well cared for, policies reflect residents’ voices, and natural spaces are protected. That’s why we’re focused on addressing blight with stronger enforcement and community-driven solutions, ensuring zoning updates align with public input and the city’s character, and safeguarding our green spaces and tree canopies with thoughtful, resident-centered stewardship.
Tackling Blight: Improving Our Neighborhoods
The Problem:
Blight doesn’t just affect how a neighborhood looks—it affects property values, community morale, and even safety. Vacant, neglected properties often become eyesores and signal disinvestment. When these problems are ignored, they drag down the whole community.
Our Solution:
We support enforcement of existing ordinance and will work to develop new strategies to address blight based on valued feedback from residents.
Zoning Updates to Align with Rochester’s Master Plan
The Problem:
After years of delay, the city is moving quickly to pass zoning changes aligned with the master plan. Many residents have raised valid concerns and offered public comment on specific details of the proposed updates.
Our Solution:
Dan and Rich are carefully listening to community feedback during Planning Commission meetings and will continue to prioritize residents’ voices. Our goal is to find thoughtful solutions that address both neighborhood concerns and local business needs while preserving Rochester’s unique character.
Preserving Our Natural Resources
The Problem:
Without thoughtful leadership, Rochester’s green spaces, tree canopy, and natural resources could be compromised by unchecked development, poor maintenance, or one-size-fits-all policies. Neglecting these assets risks diminishing the city’s character and reducing quality of life for residents.
Our Solution:
With a proven track record in neighborhood leadership, we’ll continue to protect the natural beauty of our community through proactive maintenance and preservation. We also understand that not every situation fits neatly into policy, so we’ll approach environmental decisions with flexibility and a focus on residents’ real-world needs.
Get Involved, Rochester!
Help us put Residents First by volunteering, sharing our message, or showing your support in the community. Every action—big or small—helps build a stronger Rochester.
