Kochenderfer Led Students at OU and Now Looks to Help Lead City

Adam Kochenderfer has a passion for Rochester Hills that goes back generations.

Ever since his great-grandparents moved to Rochester Hills, he and his family has been rooted in its history.

As a candidate for Rochester Hills City Council, Kochenderfer said he hopes to embrace that history and help guide the city through the future.

Kochenderfer is one of on city council. Martin Brennan is not seeking reelection. Kochenderfer is facing and in an Aug. 2 primary election. The two top finishers that election will face off in the general election on Nov. 8.

Leadership experiences

Kochenderfer is a 2002 graduate of , where he was student body president and remains active in its alumni association.

The experience of leading the university's students has been key to prepare for future leadership roles, he said.

"In a role like that, each day you have an opportunity to make a difference," he said.

Kochenderfer, 31, is a lawyer with a small firm in Troy and has represented small businesses and corporations. He said he will use his backround in business law to help guide Rochester Hills.

Residents have pride in their city, but along with that pride comes an air of caution, he said.

"We are a blessed city, but I don't think we can sit on our laurels. Each city is going to be competing for jobs, our property values will continue to decline, and we have to figure out a way to maintain the city's AAA bond rating," he said.

Issues require balance

Among Kochenderfer's passions are historic preservation and roads. Both issues are those that need balance, he said.

"Everyone talks about the roads," he said. "We have to maintain the roads in the least disruptive way possible. But it's not just an issue of frustration, it's a quality of life issue.

"Every minute we're on the road is a minute away from our family."

The same balance can be said about historic preservation, he said.

"You can't stop progress, but we cannot lose what makes the community what it is," he said. "It would defeat the exact goal we're going after."

Kochenderfer is single and lives in King's Cove. He said he looks forward to the campaign and will go door-to-door in his district to listen to residents. 

"I want this to be a campaign of substance," he said. 

For more on Kochenderfer, view his or visit his campaign website.