Politics & Government

Daldin Aims to Make a Difference in Rochester

Downtown business owner is one of six candidates for Rochester City Council.

It was a parking lot that first spurred Cathy Daldin to get involved in local government a few years back.

As a homeowner on Pine Street, near downtown Rochester, Daldin was upset to learn about plans to tear down two historic homes across the street from her house; she was even more dismayed to watch a parking lot be built in the homes' place.

The longtime resident started attending meetings. Soon after, she sought out a way to get more involved in her city and was appointed to the Downtown Development Authority Board.

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"I knew, though, that if I really wanted to make a difference, I would need to be on City Council," Daldin said.

Which brings her to Election Day.

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Challenges and points of pride

Election Day is . Voters will elect City Council members and members of the .

Daldin is one of six candidates for four positions on the Rochester City Council. The three candidates who receive the most votes will serve four-year terms; the candidate who finishes in fourth place will serve a two-year term.

Candidates are Ben Giovanelli, Ann Peterson, Kim Russell, Steve Sage and Stan Surratt.

Two years ago, Daldin lost by 74 votes in her first City Council bid.

She said that this year Rochester is celebrating record population growth and business retention while getting ready to face some challenges, including the development of a new master plan and the closing of Main Street for most of next summer.

"Now is a really good time for the city, and a time for new ideas and different ideas," she said.

If elected, Daldin said she will work to make the city more bike and pedestrian friendly. She will also explore the development of South Street as a recreation corridor. She supports maintaining funding to police and fire departments. 

A willingness to listen

Daldin describes herself as seeing the world in shades of gray.

"I'm not a black-and-white person," she said. "I'm willing to listen to everybody's ideas and arguments."

Daldin, 50, is the owner of in downtown Rochester. The former triathlete has lived in the city for 22 years. She and her husband, Tom, have three children.

Daldin is the oldest of five siblings and said her family relationships have helped her learn to work well with others.

"I see things with a glass-half-full view," she said.

For more election news, see the Election page on Rochester Patch. For more about Daldin, visit www.cathydaldin.com


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