Posted at: 02/04/2013 10:24 AM
Updated at: 02/04/2013 10:26 AM
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Email to a FriendWojcik to Run for Rochester City Council President
(ABC 6 NEWS) -- Monday morning current Rochester City Councilman Michael Wojick entered the race for council president.
Wojick becomes the fourth person to announce a run for city council president, replacing the late Dennis Hanson who died unexpectedly last year.
Hanson went on to win in November's election, paving the way for the March 19th special election.
Wojick also becomes the second current council member to run. Interim City Council President Randy Staver filed in January.
Jan Throndson and Jeff Thompson are also vying for the position. Tuesday is the final day for candidates to file, so the field of four could still increase.
A statement from Wojick released to the media is below.
I have decided to seek the office of City Council President. This decision comes after much reflection with family, friends, and supporters. Our decision is based on the unique attributes and perspectives that I can bring to the office of the president. I know that I cannot run a business, hold office, and raise a young family on my own; we are all in this together. I also know that I stand on the shoulders of thousands who have given me my current opportunities and understand that we will continue to be there for each other. The easy choice for me would be to stay on the sidelines, but the stakes for Rochester are just too high.
My leadership as city council president would include a strong focus on education, public safety, transportation, and sustainable economic development. We face an affordable housing crisis in Rochester that deserves more focus than crows or billboards. We must stop subsidizing new infrastructure while existing neighborhoods suffer decay. I will offer a strong new vision to spur investment in Rochester’s hardest hit neighborhoods. I understand the value of our limited community resources and will continue to be the voice fighting for fairness, foresight, and fiscal responsibility. My candidacy will be considered a success if I can introduce these issues into the public debate.
Interesting Facts:
- Though just 35 years of age, Michael Wojcik is the most experienced city leader currently seeking the office of City Council President.
- In 2012, Michael Wojcik received 5,305 votes which is the most ever received by any candidate in a contested Rochester Ward election (based on available data).
- Michael Wojcik is the only member of the Rochester Council whose primary source of income is a small business he started.
- Michael Wojcik has earned two Masters Degrees from the University of Minnesota (Electrical Engineering and Business Administration) as well as numerous other designations, certifications, and honors.
