Second Rochester Man Announces Bid for Open City Council Seat

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- At least two Rochester residents are planning to throw their hats in the ring for an open seat on the Rochester City Council.

Read More: Rochester City Councilmember Plans to Not Seek Second Term

Last week City Councilmember Mark Bransford announced he will not seek reelection. Bransford won the seat to represent the city’s second ward in 2020.

On Monday Nick Miller announced his intention to run for the second ward seat, which represents part of western Rochester.

Kim David, Townsquare Media

The announcement describes Miller as a “committed community advocate for safe and vibrant public spaces,” who has “dedicated himself to work toward a future where everyone finds belonging and connection.”

Miller currently serves as Treasurer for We bike Rochester and for Christ United Methodist Church. The announcement also says Miller worked with his neighbors to restart the Historic Southwest Neighborhood Association after years of inactivity.

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The neighborhood organization effort “brought together neighbors of all ages for a National Night Out event and elected a new active neighborhood board,” the announcement states. Miller’s full campaign announcement is available below:

ROCHESTER, MN – Today, Nick Miller announces his candidacy for City Council – Ward 2. As a committed community advocate for safe and vibrant public spaces, Nick has dedicated himself to work toward a future where everyone finds belonging and connection. Rochester is on the verge of significant growth, and over the next four years, local leaders will make key decisions that will impact our community for decades. Nick believes we should all have a say in these decisions, and he will fully commit himself to Ward 2 as a responsive and attentive representative.
“Since moving to Rochester with my wife and young daughter, I have focused on connecting with diverse groups of people. These conversations have uncovered three priorities for our community: safe and vibrant public space that connects people, transparent leadership that engages people, and fiscally-responsible growth that centers people,” Miller said. “As a growing city, we must provide diverse options in housing, transportation, and culturally relevant spaces. This is the path to a community that welcomes new neighbors, benefits from rapid changes, and is able to balance a respect for the history of Rochester while making space to write the next chapter for our children and new residents.”
Originally from Louisiana, Nick has lived in cities around the United States and abroad, and he and his family have chosen to make their permanent home in the walkable Historic Southwest neighborhood. He and his wife are the proud parents of a 4th grader in Rochester Public Schools. Like many others who are part of the continued growth of Rochester, Nick and his family have found Rochester to be a place where they can have meaningful careers, connect with neighbors, and collaborate with others who are invested in the past, present, and future of our community.
Nick wants a livable community where people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can thrive. He worked with neighbors to restart the Historic Southwest Neighborhood Association after years of inactivity, and together they brought together neighbors of all ages for a National Night Out event and elected a new active neighborhood board. As treasurer of We Bike Rochester and Christ United Methodist Church, Nick provides fiscally-sound leadership to support the missions of building safe communal spaces, connecting people, and addressing tangible needs in Rochester. He will apply background in public accounting, economic development, and healthcare finance to enact city policies that build a financially-productive and people-centered future that benefits our entire community. More information on Nick Miller and his priorities for Ward 2, as well opportunities to get involved in his campaign are forthcoming on his website: www.nickforrochester.com
-Rochester City Council candidate Nick Miller

Last week Trip Welch announced his intention to run for the Second Ward City Council seat.

The other Rochester City Council positions up for election this year include the at-large Council President's seat along with the second, fourth, and sixth ward positions.

Minnesota’s two-week candidate filing window opens May 21. Election Day 2024 is set for Nov. 5.