To The Residents of Rochester,

Rochester is a vibrant city with many opportunities. I aim to be a catalyst for positive change in our community.  Hello, I am Susan Rice.  I am running to be your next mayor.

The core of my campaign is a “Vision” for our city- that encompasses growth, economic prosperity, inclusivity, and wellbeing.  Our Master Plan is what drives this change; however, we have no overall “Vision” and our “Land Use” section was last updated in 2002. These two chapters are the foundational requirements which bring about the capital improvements program and help guide how we want our city.   

In 1976, NH amended its constitution and added: “Government should be open, accessible, accountable and responsive.” Accountability, transparency, and open dialogue with our community will be at the heart of my mayoral term.  My pledge and promise are to listen to the concerns and ideas, actively involve citizens in decision-making and ensure that our actions are in the best interest. 

I attend city council meetings, workshops, and public hearings. Our city has had two years of tax rate growth, while currently having $38 million in an unassigned fund balance account.  Yes, the city council did use some money to offset the tax increases, but I challenge the decision of additional spending through supplemental appropriations.  I challenge the way in which real estate transactions have been handled. The downtown is once again regaining life; however, parking is an issue.  As a downtown business owner, I do have a firsthand glimpse of the issues and have participated in the survey and in-person meeting.  The homelessness and drug issues plague every community across this country, I do not have the answer.  I am willing to work to find a solution. 

I stood with the people of Gonic last summer regarding their community neighborhood desires.  Housing is a top priority; we need a diversity of housing choices and price ranges to allow a more consistent free flow of the market.   Randomly choosing parcels for re-zoning is not planning, nor considers our “Vision”.  I will strive for community connectivity with our younger residents, making it more inclusive and welcoming.  I would love to establish a youth mentorship to introduce them to municipal work and governmental functions.  Our next generation of workers are right here in our city.  I am committed to attending school board meetings to foster this relationship.  Future economic development growth lies in bringing retail, high tech, manufacturing, and other types of jobs here.  Consideration must be given to planning for another business park and re-purposing buildings.  I will not forget our neighborhoods of Gonic and East Rochester and to bring them along and be inclusive. 

I have spoken about investigating community electric and if that would benefit all. I would explore bringing back areas for community gardens and to encourage the planting of Lilacs for which we derive our slogan, “The Lilac City”. 

A bit about myself, I have lived here for 12 years. I volunteer with Rochester Main Street. I was a ballot clerk and volunteered at the city clerk’s office.  I spent over 20 years in municipal work in Planning and Zoning.  I have written and updated Master Plans, Capital Improvement Programs, Impact Fee and Growth Management Ordinances.  I have held elected and appointed positions, preparing budgets and policies as well as leadership positions.  I currently own Bartlettyarns, Inc. a 203-year-old business in Maine as well as Bartlett’s on North Main.  I have been a lifelong entrepreneur in NH.

The future is bright, and I am excited to embark on this journey and utilize my skills. I would appreciate your consideration on November 7th.   Should you wish to discuss anything, please feel to contact me at ricesusanj@yahoo.com or 603-234-3991.

Thank you,

 Susan J. Rice, Candidate for Mayor

"Hello Rochester,

I would like to take a moment to announce my candidacy for Mayor of Rochester. Over the next few weeks I will be posting about my vision, issues and concerns of our future in the lilac city. Please reach out if you would like to talk about any issues or if you would like to support my campaign by placing a yard sign. I am available at 603-234-3991 or ricesusanj@yahoo.com. 

Thank you."

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"I feel Rochester deserves better leadership, accountability and to have a better vision for our future. I will bring experience, leadership and the knowledge of how government works from day one. Top concerns include the unassigned fund balance, school building concerns and taxes."³  

To the editor:

I am writing this letter in support of Susan Rice for Mayor of our community. 

I have lived and worked in this community for over 40 years. I first met Susan when she opened her business on North Main. It quickly became apparent her enthusiasm for our entire community. What struck me most was her transparency and being genuine. Her ambassador like quality of promoting Rochester is evident, just walk by her shop and you cannot help but smile seeing the "Experience" Rochester big foot t shirts and the "lilac city mugs". 

We have talked about the homeless, the drug issues, parking issues, housing issues and economic development, but what is striking is the way in which the conversation always transitions into the positive and how Rochester has progressed in recent years. 

Listen carefully, and you will hear the vision and how she wants everyone to thrive. She is passionate about our city being inclusive and that voices are heard. She is passionate about following procedures. She is passionate about our taxes and services. She is respectful of the voters' wishes. I recently learned more about her governmental background, appointed and elected positions and her prior municipal work. My vote goes to Susan! The community needs the passion and enthusiasm to bring about positives.

- Joette Mackenzie,

Rochester

Name:  Susan J. Rice

Occupation:  Businessowner, North Main Street

Question #1: "What moves could be made to make Rochester government more transparent?"

I will follow the NH constitution, the public’s right to know what its government is doing is a fundamental part of our democracy. The public’s right of access to governmental proceedings and records shall not be unreasonably restricted and non-public meeting minutes should be released promptly.  Additional use of social media, televise all committee meetings, ensure all agendas are posted correctly, minutes are posted within statute guidelines, 

Question #2: "Do you believe the unassigned fund balance is an appropriate place from which to draw funds for capital improvement projects and reserve accounts?"

No, capital improvement projects should be placed in the capital improvement program and funded accordingly through the budget keeping in compliance with the city’s tax cap compliance. 

Question #3: "Would you ever consider expending a portion of the unassigned fund balance to significantly reduce residents’ tax burden?"

Yes, I would consider this option.  I believe in fair accountable, transparent taxation.  Any portion returned to the residents should be in direct proportion of their tax assessed value and payment.

Question #4: "What do you think needs to happen to reduce the number of homeless persons living in Rochester?"

Homelessness is a national problem.  I need more quantitative results from various agencies to see what is working and what is not working for the individuals who need services to be a part of the solution and not continuing enabling.

Question #5: "What is the number one problem when focusing on the continued re-emergence of the city’s downtown?"

Parking, destination point and maintaining its historic charm.  Parking issues include signage and enforcement.  Promotion of our historic downtown as a cultural focal point to attract visitors and shoppers

Question #6: "Explain your position on affordable (workforce) housing, including to what degree should government be subsidizing the builders’ cost of construction."

Diversity of housing choices and price ranges will allow a more consistent free flow of the market.   I do not believe in residential TIF’s, it is a diversion of funds from other public services, last for several years depriving the community of much needed tax revenue, risk of gentrification, changing the character of neighborhoods and uncertain outcomes.  It is essential to carefully consider all factors when implementing a TIF.

Question #7: "Why do you think you’re best for the job? (If running opposed, you may comment on what you bring to the table or choose not to answer.)"

I aim to be a catalyst for positive change in our community and to bring back the fundamental principles of our democracy here in NH.   The core of my campaign is a “Vision” for our city- encompassing growth, economic prosperity, inclusivity, and wellbeing.  I volunteer with Rochester Main Street, was a ballot clerk and volunteered at the city clerk’s office/COVID.  Over 20 years in municipal work in Planning.  I have held elected and appointed positions, prepared budgets, policies and held leadership positions.  I own Bartlett’s on North Main.  I have been a lifelong entrepreneur in NH.

View the Candidate's Responses in the 2023 Foster's Candidate Survey by Clicking Here!

• The land for the new school on Salmon Falls Road which is comprised of a significant amount of wetlands. 
• The land on Highland Street for a third fire station without professional consultation with a soil and wetland scientist.  At one point, land at the new DPW was under consideration for this use. 

¹  "A Letter from the Candidate" was submitted to LifeintheLilacCity.org by the candidate on October 14th, 2023. The use of bold, underline, italics and font colors were added by the editor to add emphasis

² "A Word form the Candidate" text from "Susan Rice, Candidate for Mayor of Rochester NH" Facebook Page  

³ Foster's "Rochester Mayor Callaghan challenged in election by Susan Rice, mom of ousted councilor" https://www.fosters.com/story/news/local/2023/09/25/rochester-mayor-paul-callaghan-challenged-election-susan-rice-mother/70960727007/?fbclid=IwAR133z1lxQiX_NImwHdEQ7C-kuL22l8xPB2BHgEzc0kxw1r35su8eV1E6xk