Feature F Q: Why are you running for city council and how does your experience qualify you for the position? A: There’s a legacy of public service in my family. I feel a strong sense of duty to serve in my community at non-profits, as a Human Rights Commissioner, and Golf League President. I know that a thriving
community relies on residents to care and be involved in keeping our city safe and welcoming. I want to ensure the City Council uses an equitable data driven decision making process. People with no relevant experi- ence have held public office at the highest levels. The question about qualifications always seems immaterial. However, my degree is in Political Science/Public Administration, was on Governor Dayton’s Task Force that helped create the strongest Anti-bullying law in the nation, and as a Vic- tory Institute Fellow I spent a year learning about leadership and gover- nance. My 12 years of community service working with various government bodies and non-profit agencies isn’t enough experience for some folks; the way I look and who I love is an issue to them. It doesn’t mean I won’t have their best interest at heart and needs in mind. Q: What are your top two priorities or issues as a candidate for city council? A: Affordable and accessible housing is the most pressing issue in Ward 3. More workforce housing is being built, however it’s not as affordable as people would think. If you make less than $40,000 a year, which is what most skilled labor or entry-level positions pay, you can afford housing but not very much more than that. It’s not the Avocado toast that’s keeping young professionals from spending more money downtown. Housing is a policy issue, and it takes political will and visionary leadership to reimagine housing for everyone. Rochester should implement policies that are focused on environmental sustainability such as higher density housing with less sprawl, housing closer to downtown, and increased public transportation. My campaign also believes everyone has the right to easy access to green spaces, regardless of where their neighborhood is. Finally, we should invest in green energy. As a city we have to do our part to address the environment and climate crisis. Q: As the city of Rochester continues to grow and develop, how do you envision Rochester ten years from now? How can the city council support that vision? A: In 2032, Rochester’s expected population is 140,000 with an additional job growth of up to 20,000. With the largest growth in health & human services, and other customer service-oriented jobs. The demographics of both our residents and workforce are changing. They are younger, more diverse, and have more progressive views and political ideas. If the City is expected to grow at that pace leadership must be able to innovate and respond to an impending labor force gap. I’m running to represent Ward 3. DMC has helped encourage growth and innovation which attracts new residents and skilled workforce. That’s helped grow NW Rochester, however it also creates transportation issues and lack of activities for young professionals. We may be able to attract but we need to focus on retaining our skilled workforce and young professionals. That would both include addressing public safety through community engagement. And providing appro- priate nightlife and entertainment not just for young families but for single young professionals. Creating a robust community that is safe, connected, and welcoming for all. VANGIE CASTRO WARD 3
Advantage Magazine | 15
October 2022
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