In the first citywide mayoral candidates forum since the conclusion of the Democratic Party’s designation process, the members of Council 66 affiliates BENTE/AFSCME Local 2419 and AFSCME Local 1635 hosted the top three candidates for Mayor of Rochester to discuss their vision for the future of the city. The Mayor of Rochester Candidates Forum was held on the evening of Thursday, June 8th at East High School. At the forum, candidates were asked about their stance on issues ranging from mayoral control of the city school district, the state constitutional convention that will be on the ballot in November, and economic growth that benefits hardworking families in the Rochester area.
The event was covered by Spectrum News, City Newspaper, and Minority Reporter.
Dan DiClemente, President of both AFSCME Council 66 and BENTE Local 2419, highlighted the significance of the event. “Our members keep the City of Rochester and the Rochester City School District up-and-running every day, so it’s right that we held the first citywide candidates forum since the Democratic Party’s designation process ended,” DiClemente said. “With so much on the line, our members could make the difference in this election.”
Bill Slocum, President of Local 1635, thanked his members for meeting with the candidates. “This was an important and enlightening exchange of views. One of these three candidates will be our next Mayor, and they will decide the direction of Rochester for the next four years or longer. We’re grateful that over 100 of our members took the time to talk to the candidates about the issues that matter most to them.”
Go to our Events page for more information about the candidates forum. You can also watch the candidates’ opening statements below: