FINALLY, ROCHESTER HAS A MAYOR; CITY OFFICIALS ASK RESIDENTS FOR BUDGET PRIORITIES AT UPCOMING COMMUNITY FORUMS

Mayor Tom Richards
photo:  Ove Overmyer

Rochester, N.Y.-- On April 11, 2011, Tom Richards took the oath of office as the City of Rochester’s 66th Mayor. Richards, who was Former Corporation Counsel for the city since 2006, was elected with nearly 50 percent of the vote in a special three-way election on March 29, 2011.

The election marked the end of an intensive political whirlwind that began when former Mayor Bob Duffy was selected and subsequently elected as Andrew Cuomo’s running mate in the 2010 New York State gubernatorial election.

The campaign was rigorous, competitive and included numerous debates and candidate forums.

Several city labor unions weighed in on the election-- CSEA chose not to endorse a mayoral candidate in the special election.  CSEA Local 828 has 21 Units in Monroe County, including the City of Rochester Library Workers Unit 7420.

Ove Overmyer, Local 828 V.P. and Unit president of the City of Rochester Library Workers said before the March election, "No matter which Democrat gets the nod, I'm sure we will have a very good working relationship with the next Mayor. There is no reason to believe that our partnership with library management or city officials will fundamentally change."

Overmyer added, "Thankfully, we are now able to move forward to focus on addressing the issues that continue to confront our city such as public safety, economic development and job creation, neighborhood revitalization and improved academic outcomes for our children. Our new Mayor's first order of business must be the development of a city budget that accommodates an anticipated $50 million budget gap without totally eviscerating the quality of life that we presently enjoy-- including the understanding that our community libraries play a vital role in the quality of life Rochesterians have come to know, love and respect. Rest assured, city workers and their neighbors will have ample opportunity to help shape discussions and decisions regarding proposals to close the budget gap."

It is also important for everyone to know that service reductions and overall changes will be required to bridge the budget gap this year. It will undoubtedly be extensive and painful. Nonetheless, we are confident that we will be able to collectively develop a budget that will allow us to maintain critical services while not unduly eroding our quality of life.

City officials will host "Voice of the Customer" community budget forums

Feel free to contact your CSEA officers or elected officials to share any ideas or concerns that you may have in this regard. We also urge you to attend the council budget hearing process that will begin on June 1.

We encourage all community stakeholders to offer suggestions about revenue opportunities or cost saving measures that you think should be considered. Join Mayor Thomas Richards and City staff as they ask for your input in the City’s efforts to reduce a $50 million budget gap at one of the following sessions:

All sessions begin at 6:00 PM

Wednesday, April 20th
David F. Gantt Community Ctr
700 North Street

Wednesday, April 27th
South Avenue Community Ctr
999 South Avenue

Thursday, April 28th
Adams Street Community Ctr
85 Adams Street

Monday, May 2nd
Edgerton Stardust Ballroom
41 Backus Street