Ward 6B Councilor Charles Grassie Jr.
Age: 55
Years living in Rochester: lifelong
Occupation: town planner and economic developer for Stratham
Public experience: City Council; previously member of Planning Board; N.H. state rep.; town planner for Alton, Raymond and Stratham.

-If elected, what is the top goal you would like to see accomplished?

One of the top issues is the infrastructure in the city. Improving roads, water and sewer are our primary goals, and getting a plan put together to do that should be one of our top objectives.

-What kinds of new businesses would you like to see in Rochester?

I certainly think high-tech, manufacturing, research and development type businesses. Land values are cheaper in Rochester, so there may be an opportunity to attract some of those industries further north.

-How much do you think the city should invest in the Riverwalk project, to connect the northern and southern sections of the city?

There's been a lot of discussion about whether it should be from tax dollars. The first thing we should do is take a look at grants and other private sources, but there may also be opportunities to leverage private sources with public sources, particularly where there might be public benefit beyond a nice leisurely walk. A dollar amount, I couldn't give you one. But, it's one of those things where you know it when you see it. If it's a worthwhile project for the public, then we should invest.

-Would you support a request from the Police Department to add more fulltime officers to its staff?

Yes, and I have in the past. Unfortunately, we aren't getting the cops grants like we used to, getting the feds to pay a portion. We need to be careful how many we put on in a certain year, but certainly, I would support it in a given year. But, they might need to work on their programs, too. They need to maybe reorganize more of their programs to get more people on the street.

-What would you do to promote the arts in Rochester and support the city's growing artistic community?

I think the Opera House is something which I have really supported strongly on the Council for as long as I can remember. I would continue to do that, and I'd even support taxpayer funds on portions of the Opera House, where it would also benefit City Hall. One of the biggest things in the revitalization of downtown is upper story housing for artisans and individuals who work in the field and the businesses that would be there. It's hard to find affordable housing, but if we provide good housing for people to work and live, we could attract more of those folks to the city.

-What is your favorite event at the Rochester Fair? 

The favorite event that my wife and I see every year is the photo exhibit. I take a lot of photos myself.