Candidates Forum
A couple of weeks ago a few members from the Slatterly Neighborhood Association and the Eastside Pioneers Neighborhood Association (ESPNA) were discussing ways we could better serve our neighborhoods.
We thought one of the immediate ways we could help would be to try to provide our neighbors with enough information to make an informed decision regarding a city election. Since we live in the Fourth Ward we thought we would focus on that city council race.
As a convenience to Fourth Ward voters, we decided to host a pre-primary candidates forum, centrally located, on-site, here in the Fourth Ward, Tuesday, September 2, 7:00 PM at the City of Life Outreach Center, 804 East Center Street.
I was able to access the following publicly available information on the candidates for 4th Ward city council:
Pat Carr, the incumbent, lives at 623 4th St. SE. His contact information, 289-5739, pcarr@rochestermn.gov
Pat is a licensed real estate broker in Minnesota and the Dakotas; he owns a snow-plowing business and has done periodic construction work. .
Pat holds a Bachelor's degree from Framingham State Teachers College (1976), and has done post-graduate work at Harvard University (1980). He also holds certifications from commercial Hard Hat diving school (1974), real estate brokers' school (1988) and commercial auctioneers school (1990).
Pat has for several years been an auctioneer for the Rochesterfest auction benefiting Gift of Life transplant house. He also helped assemble properties for Ronald McDonald House site. He serves on the Youth Hockey Commission and coaches youth baseball and hockey.
He is a past member of Olmsted County Zoning Board of Adjustment, Rochester Airport Zoning Commission and Rochester City Commission on Public Salaries, HRA, Youth Commission, currently member of Joint Powers Board, ROCOG, and Joint Emergency Management.
Pat is married and has five children college-age and younger.
Pat believes in positive solutions to address the issues that face the city today.
Steve Barlow (53) contact information: phone 269-6925; EMail: SBarlow99@GMail.com; and/or web-site: www.RochMnNews.com
Steve is the CEO of the Barlow Corporation, and has recently filed for the seat of Rochester 4th Ward Councilman. He regards himself as
an old school local businessman, who believes in making "Civil Service" a part of his life.
Steve also ran a successful United Way Campaign a few years ago. He helped get the Channel One Food Shelves off the ground (and was recognized as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans by the Minnesota Jaycees for the effort). Steve also coordinated much of the last remodel as a Board Member of the Rochester Civic Theater.
Steve thinks that, given his background, he would be able to add some welcome perspective and experience to the city council.
Mark Bilderback (51) lives at 839 7 Ave SE and can be reached at 282-7178. He also has a website:www.markbilderback.org
Mark was born and raised in Rochester, Minnesota. He is married and has one son. Mark S. Bilderback C.P.P works in the Emergency Management Team-Mayo Clinic Section of Safety & Security.
Mark graduated from Mayo High School in 1976. He later went on to graduate with a Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice AA degree from RCC 1979. Mark graduated from Winona State University with a BA in Professional Studies (Liberal Arts). He is also a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) ASIS International 2003 (American Society of Industrial Security)
Mark belongs to the following organizations: Slatterly Park Neighbors, Rochester Amateur Sports Commission (Board), Police Activities League (Board), Fraternal Order of Eagles, National Eagle Scout Association (Eagles Scout earned in 1973), ASIS International Association of Minnesota Emergency Managers (AMEM)
Mark says he is a neighborhood advocate that will, stand up for neighborhood rights, help with programs to strengthen neighborhoods, and look out for neighborhood safety.
He believes in a sound infrastructure regarding public safety (Police/Fire), emergency preparedness, reasonable city growth and controlled spending. He states that he is willing to listen and work with builders, neighbors and city staff to come up with a win, win result.
