There are certain to be at least three new faces on the nine-member Rochester City Council in 2018.
The turnover of a third of the elected body — last seen in 2010 — can shift dynamics.
Council members Carolee Conklin, Dana Miller and Matt Haag are headed for the exits, taking with them a wealth of institutional and financial/economic expertise.
Five seats are on the ballot, elected at-large, meaning they represent the entire city. The crop of potential replacements bring experience in education, government, small business andcommunity organizing.
"Change the deck," said council member Adam McFadden.
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Haag came on in 2010 with Jackie Ortiz and Loretta Scott. It wasa year that ushered in Lovely Warren as president, just two years into her first term. Scott now fills that role. Conklin and Miller joined in 2006, stepping in during a mayoral changeover and as longtime council members Wade Norwood, Tim Mains and Brian Curran stepped out. That trio departed after a combined 48 years of service.
City Council's chief role is to set fiscal policies and approve spending, as well as to regulate land use, from amending zoning laws to selling city property.The term is four years. The salary is $34,994.
McFadden for years has overseen all matters involving public safety but indicated he would be interested in taking over finance matters, given his accounting background.
"We'll see what all this means," he said. "Itry not to think about it until after the general (election)."
A look at the field of City Council candidates (in alphabetical order):
Note: Click on the candidate's name to see their answers to D&C questionnaires.
►Pam Davis, 46, Cameron Street, Lyell-Otis neighborhood
Ballot line: Working Families
Current job: Artist, mother, advocate/activist
Priority, if elected:"Bring the voices and concerns of the under-represented populace of the city of Rochester into City Hall... and make certain that those in most need are aided by all levels of our government."
►Shawn Dunwoody, 44, Renwood Street, Group 14621 Neighborhood
Ballot line: Working Families
Current job: Designer/artist
Priority, if elected: "Connecting with my Rochester neighbors throughout the city to listen to their concerns."
►Chris Edes, 38,Raleigh Street, Upper Mt. Hope Neighborhood
Ballot lines: Libertarian, Reform
Current job: Datto, information technology
Priority, if elected: "End the practice of giving tax breaks, subsidies, reciprocal agreements and other forms of corporate welfare."
►Malik Evans, 37, Nunda Boulevard, Cobbs Hill Neighborhood
Ballot lines: Democratic, Working Families
Current job: Banker
Priority, if elected:"Support strategies that promote job creation and attract economic investments, particularly in our neighborhoods.We must work to increase the number of net jobs in within the city of Rochester limits."
Anthony Giordano, 49, Howard Street, Highland Park Neighborhood
Ballot line: Green
Current job: Anthony’s Olde-Fashioned Birch Beer, owner;handyman
Priority, if elected: "To vote for the new police accountability (review board) proposal. I’m 100 percent behind voting for the (Roc/ATCS) proposal… The more independent the board can be, the better."
Mitch Gruber, 32, King Street, Susan B. Anthony Neighborhood
Ballot line: Democratic
Current job:Foodlink,chief program officer
Priority, if elected: "Bring a public health lens to the decision-making at City Hall. ... I will work to help low-income neighborhoods transform vacant lots into productive spaces (gardens, natural playspaces, event venues)."
Andrew Hollister, 28, Merlin Street, Lyell-Otis Neighborhood
Ballot lines: Republican, Conservative, Libertarian, Reform
Current job: Simple Tech Innovations, Owner/IT professional
Priority, if elected:"Job growth within the city limits. I’ll work to make sure thatthe easiest part of opening a business and creating jobs is working with city government, not thehardest."
►Willie Lightfoot, 45,Trafalgar Street, 19th Ward
Ballot line: Democratic
Current job: New Creations unisex barbershop, owner
Priority, if election:"Constituent services, making sure that every voice feels they have been heard and respected, (and) that I am accessible and approachable to all city residents."
►Mary Lupien, 36, Parsells Avenue, Beechwood Neighborhood
Ballot line: Working Families
Current job: City school teacher
Priority, if elected:"To make sure my constituents are at the table for the decisions that affect them. ... We must find a way to make sure information is getting out to the community and effective ways to receive feedback are implemented."
►Jackie Ortiz, 56,Grassmere Park, Charlotte Neighborhood
Ballot lines: Democratic, Working Families, Independence, Women's Equality
Incumbent
Current job: Insurance and financial service agent
Priority, if re-elected: "The individuals and families that make up our great city. ... I pride myself on being consistent and available to help all be successful ... and am committed to continuing to do so"
►Loretta Scott, 69, Berwick Road, Browncroft Neighborhood
Ballot lines: Democratic, Women's Equality
Incumbent
Current job: Scott Professional Cleaning Services, owner/operator
Priority, if re-elected: "Create a civilian review process (police accountability board) that is trusted, transparent and accountable."
Matt Judaand Ronald Ring also areon the ballot on the Women's Equality and Green party lines, respectively, but arenot actively campaigning.
BDSHARP@Gannett.com
