Susan Rice, on why she should be Rochester's next mayor

To the residents of Rochester:

Rochester is a vibrant city with many opportunities. I aim to be a catalyst for positive change in our community. Hello, I am Susan Rice. I am running to be your next mayor.

The core of my campaign is a "Vision" for our city- that encompasses growth, economic prosperity, inclusivity, and wellbeing. Our Master Plan is what drives this change; however, we have no overall "Vision" and our "Land Use" section was last updated in 2002. These two chapters are the foundational requirements which bring about the capital improvements program and help guide how we want our city.

In 1976, NH amended its constitution and added: "Government should be open, accessible, accountable and responsive." Accountability, transparency, and open dialogue with our community will be at the heart of my mayoral term. My pledge and promise are to listen to the concerns and ideas, actively involve citizens in decision-making and ensure that our actions are in the best interest.

I attend city council meetings, workshops, and public hearings. Our city has had two years of tax rate growth, while currently having $38 million in an unassigned fund balance account. Yes, the city council did use some money to offset the tax increases, but I challenge the decision of additional spending through supplemental appropriations. I challenge the way in which real estate transactions have been handled. The downtown is once again regaining life; however, parking is an issue. As a downtown business owner, I do have a firsthand glimpse of the issues and have participated in the survey and in-person meeting. The homelessness and drug issues plague every community across this country, I do not have the answer. I am willing to work to find a solution.

I stood with the people of Gonic last summer regarding their community neighborhood desires. Housing is a top priority; we need a diversity of housing choices and price ranges to allow a more consistent free flow of the market. Randomly choosing parcels for re-zoning is not planning, nor considers our "Vision". I will strive for community connectivity with our younger residents, making it more inclusive and welcoming. I would love to establish a youth mentorship to introduce them to municipal work and governmental functions. Our next generation of workers are right here in our city. I am committed to attending school board meetings to foster this relationship. Future economic development growth lies in bringing retail, high tech, manufacturing, and other types of jobs here. Consideration must be given to planning for another business park and re-purposing buildings. I will not forget our neighborhoods of Gonic and East Rochester and to bring them along and be inclusive.

I have spoken about investigating community electric and if that would benefit all. I would explore bringing back areas for community gardens and to encourage the planting of Lilacs for which we derive our slogan, "The Lilac City."

A bit about myself, I have lived here for 12 years. I volunteer with Rochester Main Street. I was a ballot clerk and volunteered at the city clerk's office. I spent over 20 years in municipal work in Planning and Zoning. I have written and updated Master Plans, Capital Improvement Programs, Impact Fee and Growth Management Ordinances. I have held elected and appointed positions, preparing budgets and policies as well as leadership positions. I currently own Bartlettyarns, Inc. a 203-year-old business in Maine as well as Bartlett's on North Main. I have been a lifelong entrepreneur in NH.

The future is bright, and I am excited to embark on this journey and utilize my skills. I would appreciate your consideration on November 7^th.

- Susan J. Rice,

candidate for mayor