MEET THE CANDIDATES
Feature
Dan Doering
Mark Schleusner
WARD 6
WARD 6
Why are you running for City Council and how does your experience qualify you for the position? I decided to run for City Council to actively participate in shaping policies that will
Why are you running for City Council and how does your experience qualify you for the position? I am running for the Rochester City Council Ward 6 to provide experienced
benefit both current and future residents of Rochester, ensuring it becomes the best possible place for everyone to call home. My extensive community volunteer experiences, coupled with my professional role as the Pastor of People of Hope Lutheran Church, have equipped me with the skills necessary to be an effective leader on the Council. I pride myself on being an attentive listener, deeply committed to addressing and acting on the concerns of others. My ability to collaborate with individuals holding diverse viewpoints allows me to tackle problems effectively. I excel at processing large volumes of information and distilling it into clear, actionable insights, which aids in making informed decisions. Regularly balancing budgets and handling complex financial issues are integral parts of my professional life. Ultimately, as a servant leader, I prioritize the needs of those I represent, placing their interests above my own agenda. What are your top two priorities/issues as a candidate for City Council? My foremost priority is tackling Rochester’s affordable housing crisis. The City Council and the City must be innovative in their approaches to providing housing that is both accessible and respectful. This involves supporting more infill housing opportunities and creating incentives for developers to build affordable homes. Equally important is addressing homelessness in our community. While public safety concerns are valid, the City must focus on compassionate care and support for those facing homelessness. We need to address the root causes, such as mental health and addiction, and work proactively to connect people with existing housing options. By preventing homelessness before it starts and offering support tailored to individual needs, we can foster a more inclusive and supportive community for everyone.
leadership and shape our community’s future. As a Rochester native, military veteran, and former school board member, I understand what our community needs and what effective leadership entails. I have a proven track record of listening to diverse perspectives and finding solutions through collaboration. leadership, and budget management skills. I know how transparency is essential, and I am committed to clear communication, especially regarding tax dollar usage. Living in Ward 6, I see firsthand how families want to see a city livable for everyone but also manage their finances judiciously. I am ready to bring my expertise to the city council, ensuring effective leadership and a voice for all Rochester residents. With over 15 years of leadership experience on various boards, I bring strategic visioning, collaborative What are your top two priorities/issues as a candidate for City Council? The first priority is addressing Rochester’s affordable housing challenge. With rapid population growth, there is a significant need for housing, especially affordable options. This includes housing for the homeless and those in low-paying professions. We must also consider those near financial insolvency. The second priority is fiscal responsibility and transparency. The potential tax levy in 2025 is concerning for Ward 6 and all of Rochester. While it’s crucial to maintain Rochester’s quality of life, we must avoid burdening residents with high tax rates. The city needs to improve financial transparency. When presenting the budget to the city council, it should be understandable to regular citizens. Clear communication about the needs and reasons for tax increases will likely lead to greater acceptance, even if reluctantly.
OCTOBER 2024 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 7
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online