Rochester's dynamic growth is our biggest challenge

Mayor Caroline McCarley (Courtesy photo)

Editor's note: Over the next several days before Election Day on Nov. 7 The Rochester Voice will publish the answers to a questionnaire we sent out to all mayoral candidates. Here is the first featuring the incumbent, Caroline McCarley.

After a brief synopsis of the candidate's biographical info, the questions will follow.

Profession: Publisher, John Wiley & Sons, 2006-present

Family: Married to Dan Harkinson for 43 years, three grown sons

Political history: Rochester School Board, 17 years in total, State Senator, 1997-2002, Mayor, 2015-present

Why you want to be mayor: 15 words or less: I have a deep affection for Rochester and believe in public service.

What do you think Rochester's biggest challenge is? We are growing quickly and that is both exciting and challenging. We have to manage the growth carefully and make sure that we do not leave people behind as our economy expands. Housing, poverty, and the opioid crisis are all key challenges facing us.

What is one specific remedy that could help our foundering downtown? I believe our downtown is emerging as a great place to visit, shop, eat, and enjoy arts and culture. We do need to use all legal and persuasive skills to attract new merchants to our empty store fronts.

How would you describe your philosophy of government? Government must work for all the people, and compromise is a good thing.

Where do you stand on Keno? And why? I voted to put it on the ballot so the people can decide. I do want the money raised from Keno to support our full day kindergarten program.

As mayor what will be your first specific priority be? I will continue to engage with the citizens and seek consensus on the challenges that face the City. I do hope to get some sort of safe station program started in the very near future as I believe it is another tool in the opioid battle.