Kim Norton, Candidate for Mayor of Rochester

Why are you running?
I want to ensure that the high quality of life that my family has enjoyed is available to all who live here today and in the future. We need to make smart, sustainable, and data informed policies and decisions that respect all voices in our community as we plan for the future. We must create a welcoming, safe and equitable city with affordable housing, access to great parks, better public transportation, and economic stability for all.  

What are your top two priorities if elected?
To build and maintain relationships with community members and businesses to ensure a strong recovery, increased economic opportunities and create stability for all to prosper and remain resilient as our city grows.

Building capacity within City Hall to provide an effective, efficient government and equitable city services. This can be done through education and training opportunities, by creating an integrated system of information, and by working as a team with common goals. 

What have you learned as a candidate?
During my years of volunteerism and experience as a public servant – 4 years as Mayor, 10 years as a Minnesota State Legislator and 8 years on the school board – I have learned that effective leaders must be good listeners who use a collaborative approach to decision-making. My goal is to help our city make decisions that are responsive to the needs of the people who live here.