Ward 6A candidate Larry Goelz
Age: 41
Years living in Rochester: 4
Occupation: auto mechanic
Public experience: former City Councilor

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

One of the biggest ones would be to see the city keep moving forward with progress, and just make sure the citizens get what they're paying taxes for. That's very, very key. If you've got to pay taxes, you've got to get something for it.

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

Manufacturing. We have good companies, like Laars Heating and Plumbing, companies like that. And, I'm still for retail. They keep the tax rate low.

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

Honestly, really nothing right now. It's not something that we can afford at the moment, and we are not supposed to pay any more money for it. We gave them their $50,000, and that was our only participation.

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

Yes, I would, and I always have, even when I sat on Council. The Police Department is a very imp part of our city.

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

The Opera House and the local businesses that we have do a pretty darn good job of trying to get people in to see these things, and they have a lot of success with that. I would keep standing behind them when they ask for permits or help, and make sure the Opera House continues to operate.

-What is your favorite event at the Rochester Fair? 

Never been. But, I can see the fireworks from where I live, and the fireworks are fantastic. The best part of the fair is the bracelet nights for the kids. That is a fantastic thing they do.