MEET THE CANDIDATES
Feature
Rochester City Council
Nick Miller
Tripp Welch
WARD 2
WARD 2
Why are you running for City Council and how does your experience qualify you for the position? I’m running for City Council because I love this community, am committed to
Why are you running for City Council and how does your experience qualify you for the position? I am running for city council because local government makes a big difference in
building a place where our children can thrive and believe that local government is strongest when it’s built on trust and shared purpose. With over 15 years of experience in finance, public accounting, and economic development, I’m equipped to make sound, financially responsible decisions. But more importantly, I’m committed to being present—listening to residents, business owners, and community groups to understand our community’s diverse needs and perspectives. As a young father, I am focused on making sure that we not only respect Rochester’s history, but also embrace positive changes as we plan for our city’s future. What sets me apart is my commitment to community engagement, financial expertise and understanding of the next generation of residents. What are your top two priorities/issues as a candidate for City Council? My top priority is to ensure Rochester’s growth is met with thoughtful and dedicated leadership so that changes reflect our community’s shared values. In Minnesota’s fastest-growing city, the role of city council demands significant time and commitment. I bring diverse experiences and active community involvement, which equip me to collaborate effectively across our city. I’m committed to staying connected with Ward 2 residents, proactively responding to concerns, and valuing all viewpoints. Smart decisions come from listening to different voices and analyzing the data. My second priority is to address our community’s affordability challenges. We need more options in housing and transportation, and we must prioritize growth that improves our city’s long-term financial health. I support smart growth strategies that increase housing supply without compromising quality or triggering unnecessary sprawl. Prioritizing financially productive developments near existing infrastructure will expand our tax base and improve available transportation options without overburdening current taxpayers.
the daily lives of people. I believe in the power of this community and I want the future to be bright for everyone. All of our kids deserve to experience Rochester as a safe, welcoming place where they can build their future — just as my wife and I did when we moved to Ward Two 28 years ago. My 28 years of extensive leadership experience and community involvement in Rochester sets me apart. I've tackled issues like housing, childcare, arts, youth and sports through both executive board roles and hands-on volunteer work. My experience spans nonprofit groups, businesses, and local government, with a proven track record of developing partnerships to drive action. I am a values-driven leader who demonstrates authenticity and heart, experienced in bringing people together to build consensus and collaboration and drive action. What are your top two priorities/issues as a candidate for City Council? Affordable Living is the most important issue I’m hearing from residents. In addition to inflation, affordable housing is a critical issue not only for our lower income residents, but also for young families and retirees who want to downsize. It is also a significant contributor to our rising homelessness. When so many residents are challenged with affordable living, we must be cautious about increasing property taxes right now. Instead, the city needs to practice fiscal stewardship, prioritizing expenses and major infrastructure projects. Public Safety is imperative for our community to continue to be one of the best places to live in America. I am committed to making sure our police and fire department, and ambulances, are fully staffed, trained and equipped. We also need to support our police by providing resources for partnering with co-responders and social services for crisis situations and non-emergency follow up.
OCTOBER 2024 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 5
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online