City Council candidate Jackie Ortiz (incumbent) (Ballot lines: Democratic, Working Families, Independence, Women's Equality) 1) What is your No. 1 priority, if elected? The individuals and families that make up our great city. I am continuously amazed at the great work people can do but also reminded how much information and resources need to be provided to assist citizens navigate our city and government. I pride myself on being consistent and available to help all be successful and live full lives in the city of Rochester, and am committed to continuing to do so. 2) What is the greatest strength and, conversely, the greatest weakness of the City Council? Council's greatest strength is the depth, breadth of knowledge and experiences that make up the body. Everyone brings something different to the table and allows us to relate and provide feedback and perspective on the issues that come before us. Our greatest weakness is the unwritten rule and feeling we must always agree; differences of opinion and thought are in fact key to a healthy democracy and differences shouldn't always be painted as political. We work on behalf of the citizens of Rochester to ask hard questions ensuring at all times our government is working effectively. 3) What have you learned about this community during the campaign, and how will that affect your service? My belief in the power of our citizens has only strengthened. We can address major issues in our community because neighbors also have a wealth of knowledge and information. Given more accessibility to share this value, I am committed to create more spaces where citizens can have input in government and come together to address the needs in their neighborhoods and Rochester as a whole. On Page 2 are the responses to a questionnaire from August (prior to the Democratic primary). Please refer to ballot lines above for those applicable in the general election. City Council candidate Jackie Ortiz (incumbent) (Ballot lines: Democratic, Working Families, Independence, Women?s Equality) 1) Do you support-the RBTL/Morgan proposal for Parcel 5 Yes/No and why? At this point in time i am currently a have not been given sufficient information yet as to the complete financing of the project and ultimately the sustainability of it. I believe greatly in the arts, thus in addition to the finances I think in order to push forward it will need to be modified to be inclusive of the smaller arts organizations and some assurances there is a plan forthe Auditorium theatre to ensure it will not go dark. Then we have an alternative many have presented that this location should be programmable, flex greenspace. In my mind both ideas are needed in our city and wish we could all broaden our minds regarding our definition of downtown. It is not merely the stretch from the Liberty Pole to the Convention Center. 2) On what topic/issue do you most disagree with the current city administration, and why? On which are you most aligned, and why? I am not certain where the disconnect stems from but I am not aligned with the way in which we have been attempting to move development forward. There unfortunately have been instances where residents have not felt that their wishes are being adhered to, much less listened too. There are times when we will not all agree but we must provide the opportunity for all to express their thoughts and be actively considered. I am most aligned with our efforts to delve into renewable energy with our solar panel development and efforts to establish our first market coop around LED lighting. In my mind these endeavors take us down a path for career development opportunities, reduced energy costs and environmental sustainability. 3) Do you support or oppose the proposed redevelopment of Cobbs Hill Village, and why? Thus far the majority I have heard from make a very strong argument for not extending the ?reverter clause? and allowing the return to its originally intended usage - a park. In this time of climate action control I do believe we must be ultra-cautious with the removal of any natural resources and increasing our carbon footprint. Quality, low income housing is also desperately needed in our city but to date I have not been convinced that there is a lack of viable shovel ready parcels to develop in order to satisfy this need.