2020 PLATFORM

Housing

Streamline Community Development and Planning & Zoning to reduce excessive fees that get passed onto consumers
Cooperation with developers and builders to build affordable "downsize' housing for our baby-boomers which will allow their older homes to enter the market.
Eliminate Sewer District Surcharges and other hook-up fees, the payback is in the lifespan of the home
Reconsider all policies that unnecessarily increase housing costs
Transportation

Transportation

Pause the Bus Rapid Transit project until we understand what our post-pandemic downtown economy will require.
Reorganize our current Rochester Public Transit to better serve our low-income neighborhoods and expand hours to accommodate our service industry
Update our streets and paths 

Specific Ward 6 Concerns

1. Fast-Track the Elton Hills Drive Bridge Replacement, which was partially closed in May 2018
2. Keep Elton Hills Drive at 4-lanes with spot improvements at EHD & 9th Ave, EHD & West River Parkway, as well as 19th St & Valley High Drive
3. Re-evaluate 19th St & 41st Street 3-Lane conversion

Parks and Trails

Prioritize deferred maintenance of existing trails, playgrounds and facilities
Prioritize Silver Lake & Soldiers Field updates
Re-evaluate tree ordinance requirements
Additional dog parks on existing city property

Schools

School Safety – Dedicated School Resource Officers at each HS & JHS to improve Community Relations amongst children & staff
Future Planning for Additional Schools and Parks
Potential Shared Services with City & County

Public Safety

Provide continuous training for diversity and mental health intervention

Increased downtown patrols
Increase visible presence on our streets
Increase community involvement 

Communication and Collaboration

Improve relationships and cooperation between all leadership agencies including:

County Commissioners
School District
DMCC
Mayo Clinic

Financial Stewardship

Prioritize essential spending

Minimize consulting spending and utilize local consultants as applicable
Freeze property taxes on residential and small businesses for assist in economic recovery

Utilize Non-Profits and Community Organizations for their specialties including helping our homeless, park & trail rehabilitation, basic park improvements