March Legislative Update
Dear Friends,
The local presence of Federal agencies like ICE and HSI has increased in recent weeks, and Rochester’s Sanctuary City Policy has come under scrutiny both locally and nationally. I want to lift up the statement made by City Council President Miguel Melendez, which provides both clarity and avenues for action. I am grateful for Miguel’s leadership as Rochester navigates these challenging times, and I remain committed to making our community a safe, welcoming, sanctuary city.
I’m proud to share an update from the March Council meeting that features two pieces of legislation that I co-authored.
-
We unanimously passed a measure to partner with Rochester District Heating on a study to install a geothermal field in the Inner Loop North transformation area. The simplest explanation of a geothermal system is using the temperature deep in the earth, which is far more consistent than temperatures above ground, as a renewable source for heating, cooling, and electricity production. A system of this sort would have tremendous environmental benefits and could potentially make a very positive impact on Rochester’s carbon footprint. It will also help attract new development to the Inner Loop North. For more information, see this coverage by WXXI.
-
I worked with several of my colleagues to develop a pilot program that pays youth sports teams to participate in the maintenance of the very parks that they use. This initiative will help us improve the cleanliness of our parks and provide much needed revenue to the youth sports teams that often rely on volunteers and donations. The following teams are being funded in round one:
-
Charlotte Youth Athletic Association, Inc.
-
Roc E6, Inc.
-
Southside Little League
-
Western NY Pop Warner Little Scholars Football League, Inc.
We are recruiting sports teams to apply right now for round two. Write to [email protected] for more information.
-
To read the details of these pieces of legislation, scroll to page 162 for Introductories 83 and 84.
Finally, I am grateful to be awarded the Mark Tuohey Jr Award from the Monroe County Traffic Safety Board for the work we’ve started with Vision Zero. I am humbled by the distinction, but of course the motivation for this work lies in the desire to recognize lives that have been lost and seriously impacted by traffic crashes, and in the hope of preventing further tragedies. Our Rochester Task Force has our eyes set on achieving the goals of Vision Zero and promoting safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all.
During April we move into the canvassing phase of the campaign for my re-election to City Council! Are you interested in learning what canvassing is all about? Reach out! I’d be glad to fill you in.
Please visit my website where you can:
-
Donate! Contributions of $1, $5, or $10 can go a long way in helping me get the message out this election season.
-
Volunteer! Even a couple of hours will lighten the load and buoy our spirits.
As always, I am here to listen to your ideas and concerns. If you are frustrated about what is happening in other levels of government and interested in contributing to a stronger, healthier Rochester, please contact me.
In service,
