By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

ROCHESTER — There are two candidates running for Rochester City Council Precinct 5 in the 2023 municipal election.

Incumbent Councilman John Garrett, a Republican, is running against Democratic challenger Josh Zehner.

The two answered questions posed by InkFreeNews’ sister publication, The Shopping Guide, which may be found below. Garrett chose to answer by phone and Zehner by email.

This week marks the first of two weeks of profiles of candidates running in contested Rochester races. Next week, people may find responses from incumbent Democratic Rochester Clerk-Treasurer Shoda Beehler and her challenger, Republican Beth Stocking.

Early voting starts Saturday, Oct. 28, running 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fulton County Courthouse and Rochester Community Center, 625 Pontiac St.

Early voting at the courthouse is also 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30, through Friday, Nov. 3; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4; and 8 a.m. to noon Monday, Nov. 6. Early voting at the community center is also 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4.

Voting Election Day is 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7, at the community center.

“Give some information on your background and qualifications for the position you’re running for.”

John Garrett

Garrett noted he’s “finishing up (his) third term” on the city council. He previously served on the Rochester Board of Public Works and Safety and Fulton County Sheriff’s Merit Board.

He also mentioned his business background, having owned a bar and been an auctioneer and appraiser. He noted “the city is a business” and although all council members are involved with its operations, he believes he “is a small part of helping to make it run smoothly.”

“I enjoy being involved. I like giving back to Rochester,” said Garrett.

Josh Zehner

“I grew up in Rochester and married my wife who is also from here. I went to Purdue University and graduated with a degree in computer science. From there, I lived in Chicago and Indianapolis working different jobs as a software engineer. I eventually landed my job at Salesforce where I have worked myself up to lead software engineer.”

“This job allowed me to move back to Rochester and work remotely with a global team. With my growing family at the time, I easily decided Rochester would be the place to go back to. I have four children who all have attended Rochester Community Schools, and my eldest just started her college career at IU Bloomington.”

“I have invested my life and my future in Rochester and appreciate everything it has given my family. I also see where it lacks in areas that could be better. With that in mind, I will strive to make this city better in any way possible. I am not afraid of change and believe investment in the city is what grows a city.”

“As a resident of Rochester, I have been involved in some great initiatives around town. I have worked on the Nickel Plate Music and Arts Festival all three years of its existence. I am a member of the Rochester Lions Club and enjoy my time serving ice cream out of the Lions’ trailer. I am also the chair of the Fulton County Democrats, which keeps me busy too. (We have our event on Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Elks and would love for everyone to come out and listen to future state and local candidates.)

“Overall I’m just a normal guy who loves his city and would love to help bring the city to new heights.”

“What are your goals if elected or reelected to this position?”

John Garrett

Garrett said “keep(ing) an eye on finances” is a goal of his if reelected.

He mentioned he’s “thrifty” and wants to ensure the city doesn’t borrow money if it doesn’t have to.

Garrett also wants to see “ADA-compliant sidewalks get finished” in the city.

Overall, he said everyone on the council “brings up good ideas and thoughts.”

“We all work together,” said Garrett.

Josh Zehner

“Rochester is a great city to grow up in, but with any city, it has its problems. It’s up to the leaders of that town to help fix these issues.”

“Housing is a major issue we have in this city. City studies done on Rochester have labeled this as the No. 1 issue our town faces today, but the lack of effort from our leaders to fix this is stunning. I understand it’s a hard problem to solve, but we can do things to incentivize new development and more affordable living (not subsidized, just not ridiculously expensive housing).”

“Activities and entertainment around town are other problems. There are people around town doing amazing things and providing events for the community, but there is more our leaders can do to help flourish these ideas. A great leader should be there to help instead of just placing road blocks. A lack of activities around town has consequences that affect the town as a whole and that is a problem the city should help with.”

“Business in town is also suffering, and leaders focus a lot on this, but the main point they miss is why a business would choose to come to Rochester. Quality of life for the business owner and the employees is a major part of their equation. (Housing and workforce is another big one, but I addressed this above). Businesses understand that we have these problems and do not see us solving them, so they choose not to come. We should have leaders who are proactive and focus on improving what we currently have and that will attract things we do not have.”

“Our town is flush with resources and amazing people who want to make this city a better place for everyone. And city leaders who support these ventures are what we need. Not just ‘yes men’ who fall in line with the mayor on every decision and focus purely on what is in the bank and not the quality of life of their citizens.”