Rochester Township Supervisor candidate questions
The Rochester Township Supervisor election is Tuesday, March 12, 5-8PM (early in-person absentee voting available Saturday, March 9, 10AM-noon). Trish Adamson and Matthew Kitzmann filed for seat 1 and Jamie Neisen filed for seat 5. Save the Rookery reached out to all three candidates for Rochester Township Supervisor, and asked them the same three questions. Please see the candidates’ answers below.
1. Save The Rookery believes that wildlife and natural areas provide important health and enjoyment benefits to township residents and all life connected via air, water, and land. Do you agree? Why or why not?
Trish Adamson: I believe we are the caretakers of air, water, and land and all the creatures that inhabit it. I was blessed to have the rookery in my back yard for 25 years and watched the birds year after year in awe. I was heartbroken to see the trees they nested in destroyed. I believe it is our duty to protect ecosystems for the next generation.
Matthew Kitzmann: As a Township Supervisor and a candidate for re-election, I appreciate the opportunity to engage with Save The Rookery and address the vital issue of preserving wildlife and natural areas within our community.
I wholeheartedly agree that wildlife and natural areas offer invaluable benefits to our township residents and all life interconnected through air, water, and land. These areas not only contribute to the health and well-being of our community but also enhance the quality of life for generations to come.
Currently, Rochester Township lacks designated public parks or land earmarked for public use. I believe it is imperative that we address this shortfall and prioritize the creation of natural spaces accessible to all residents. This isn't just about conservation; it's about ensuring equitable access to the beauty and serenity of nature for everyone in our community.
Moreover, I am proud of the proactive steps our administration is taking to promote responsible growth while safeguarding our natural resources. We are diligently reviewing our land use plan and finalizing a revised subdivision ordinance that imposes stricter regulations on developers, mandating the preservation of these vital natural areas.
In summary, I am fully committed to fostering a sustainable approach to development that not only protects but also enhances our wildlife habitats and natural landscapes. I believe that by working collaboratively with organizations like Save The Rookery, we can achieve our shared goal of preserving the ecological integrity of our township while promoting the well-being of all its inhabitants.
Additionally, I must acknowledge the profound impact that my interactions with Save The Rookery members have had on my understanding of this critical issue. Since the formation of their group, I have had the privilege of working closely with some of its members, and through these collaborations, I have gained invaluable insights into their goals and concerns.
I have learned a great deal from these experiences and have come to a place of deep appreciation for the importance of their mission. My perspective has shifted, and I am committed to working hand in hand with Save The Rookery and other members to preserve our natural resources and approach development in a more responsible manner.
It is this newfound understanding and collaboration that fuel my pride in the subdivision ordinance we are currently working on. This ordinance represents a significant step forward in our efforts to balance development with the preservation of our precious wildlife habitats and natural landscapes.
Jamie Neisen: I agree that wildlife and natural areas provide health and enjoyment benefits to all citizens and that it is vital that we all do our part to strive for clean air and water.
2. When deciding how to vote on issues where current residents’ expressed desires conflict with developer's desires, especially in relation to preserving natural areas and wildlife corridors, what will you take into consideration as you make your decision?
Trish Adamson: It is the best interest to hear both side of the story, as well as taking into account habitats in potential development sites before making a decision. We need to be stewards of the land while keeping in mind the needs of the Rochester community.
Matthew Kitzmann: Thank you for this thought-provoking question, which touches on the delicate balance between the desires of current residents and developers, particularly concerning the preservation of natural areas and wildlife corridors. While I appreciate the framing of the question, I believe it's essential to approach governance from a broader perspective that considers not just desires but also rights and responsibilities.
As elected officials, our duty is to uphold the best interests of the entire community, which includes both current residents and future generations. Rather than basing decisions solely on desires, we must strive to enact policies and ordinances that strike a balance between the preservation of our natural resources and the rights of property owners.
I am proud to share that our efforts in Rochester Township have been directed towards achieving this balance, particularly through the ongoing revision of our subdivision ordinance. This ordinance, which is nearing completion, reflects a collaborative effort between myself and members of Save The Rookery, among others, to address the pressing concerns surrounding natural areas and wildlife preservation.
Allow me to highlight some of the significant improvements within the revised ordinance. Firstly, we have substantially reduced density by 50%, enabling larger lots that facilitate the preservation of wooded areas and wildlife corridors. Additionally, we have increased the open space requirement by 500%, ensuring that developers allocate a significant portion of land for wildlife preservation areas.
Moreover, the inclusion of bike lanes and pedestrian paths not only promotes safer transportation alternatives but also complements wildlife corridors and open spaces, fostering connectivity within our community while respecting our natural surroundings.
Furthermore, the decision to eliminate private roads addresses safety concerns, particularly regarding emergency vehicle access, and ensures that new residents are fully informed about the implications of residing on private roads.
In summary, our approach to governance prioritizes the creation of policies and ordinances that uphold the rights of property owners while safeguarding our natural resources for the benefit of all. I am confident that the revisions to our subdivision ordinance will serve as a testament to our commitment to achieving this delicate balance, and I look forward to its implementation for the betterment of Rochester Township.
Jamie Neisen: It is imperative that Rochester Township Supervisors are open-minded and thoughtful. When making decisions regarding preserving natural areas and wildlife corridors, I take into account residents, staff (TCPA and Lawyer), and developer input as well as input from Olmsted Soil and Water and the DNR, if they choose to provide input. I also use the Rochester Township Ordinances when making decisions.
3. What is your motivation for running for this position? What do you hope to accomplish?
Trish Adamson: I am running because as a homeowner and parent, I want to keep this town a great place to raise a family. I feel it is necessary keep a healthy balance of habitats for the next generation to enjoy. I will work hard to listen, learn, and make your voice heard.
Matthew Kitzmann: My journey into the realm of Township Supervisors began unexpectedly but profoundly, rooted in a personal experience that left a lasting impact on me and ultimately shaped my path towards public service.
About 21 years ago, I embarked on the entrepreneurial journey, starting my company from a humble card table in my living room. As my business grew, I transitioned operations to my garage, unaware of the zoning regulations governing such endeavors. It was a pivotal moment when I received a call from one of the current supervisors, informing me of the regulatory constraints on running a business with employees from a residential location.
Filled with apprehension, I attended my first board meeting, uncertain of what awaited me. However, what transpired during that meeting was truly heartwarming. Instead of punitive measures, the supervisors extended compassion and understanding. They recognized the entrepreneurial spirit within me but gently nudged me towards transitioning to a commercial location. Their grace and empathy throughout that process left an indelible mark on me, igniting my interest in the role of Township Supervisor.
Years later, when the opportunity to serve the community as a Township Supervisor arose, I felt compelled to step forward. My journey in business, coupled with the compassion I experienced from the supervisors, instilled in me a deep sense of duty towards community service.
In my tenure as a Township Supervisor, I have strived to apply the lessons learned from my business endeavors and the empathy shown to me by the supervisors. Currently, I serve on the Personnel Committee, where I address employment issues akin to the HR division of the township. Additionally, my involvement in the Equipment Committee has provided me with insights into road maintenance, equipment analysis, and budget balancing.
My motivation for running for this position is simple yet profound - to give back to the community that has shown me kindness and to ensure that every resident receives the same compassion and support that I was fortunate to receive. Moving forward, I am committed to enhancing road maintenance efforts, optimizing equipment utilization, and fostering a sense of unity and prosperity within our township. Furthermore, I have found a new focus on nature and conservation, aligning closely with the focus of groups like Save The Rookery. Preserving our natural resources and fostering a harmonious relationship between development and conservation will remain a top priority in my tenure as Township Supervisor.
Jamie Neisen: I enjoy living in Rochester Township and serving on the Board with this fine group of committed Supervisors. The other Supervisors and I and the Planning and Zoning Commission, of which I am an alternate member, have been working on the Rochester Township Subdivision Ordinance for the past 9 months and it is near completion. This ordinance will continue to support large lot development, increased open/green space, and more pedestrian paths in future developments. I will continue to strive to keep Rochester Township a safe and enjoyable place to live.
