Peterson Aims to Help Protect Property Rights

Since moving to Rochester from Pontiac years ago, Ann Peterson has been embraced by the community she calls home. Now, she wants to help give back.

Peterson is seeking election to Rochester City Council, and as a real estate professional, her driving force has been a desire to protect residents' property rights.

"I love making a difference in Rochester and want to be a voice for everyone," Peterson said.

Six candidates

in Rochester.

Voters will elect City Council members and members of the Rochester Board of Education.

Peterson 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.

Besides Peterson, candidates are , , Kim Russell, Steve Sage and Stan Surratt.

Peterson is a member of the city Planning Commission and also the City Beautiful Commission. She said she has had a lifetime love for government, though this is her first run for office.

"The rewards of public service are so great when you can see good changes in the city," she said, pointing to her work in developing the for the City Beautiful Commission, and also her work on preparing for the city's master plan.

"We're doing very well as a city, and that's great," she said.

A community voice

Peterson, who has a son and a daughter, has worked in the real estate field for 23 years; she frequently attends City Council meetings to present updates and statistics on home sales in the city.

Peterson said she has been struck by an overwhelming sense of community while campaigning this fall.

"Everyone wants to have a voice and be a part of the things that make this town great," she said.

For more election news, see the Election page on Rochester Patch.