David Zemens | Rochester City Council

On November 23 the Rochester city council voted to elect a new Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem to serve for the next year. This practice occurs annually at the second council meeting in November.

This year there were two members nominated for Mayor. The current mayor, Jeff Cuthbertson, was nominated by council member Stuart Bikson to continue as mayor for one more year. Council member David Becker also nominated Kim Russell for the position of mayor. A vote of the full council was held and Jeff Cuthbertson retained his position as mayor for the upcoming year.

Following a similar procedure, Mayor Cuthbertson nominated Stuart Bikson to continue as Mayor Pro Tem. I nominated Kim Russell to occupy this position for the upcoming year. After a second vote on the two choices, Stuart Bikson was selected to continue in the position of Mayor Pro Tem.

Congratulations to Our Newly Elected Council Officials

Jeff and Stuart are to be congratulated for serving as council officials for the past year and are to be commended for being elected to lead this council for another term. Our city council is in capable hands. Everyone in our city should be pleased by this as the city moves forward into the next decade.

Choice is a Good Thing

This council was afforded the opportunity to choose between two candidates who have a different idea and approach about how best to lead this council.  We are blessed with council members who bring different strengths (and weaknesses, too) to the council table.  Although this particular election of our council leaders was contested, this should not be interpreted as a lack of support for Mayor Cuthbertson and Mayor Pro Tem Bikson as the council moves forward.  I offer them my full support and will continue to do so throughout the term of their leadership.