May 1

May 1 Glynn becomes first candidate to enter Rochester's 2018 mayoral race

News | 2017

Eighteen months ahead of Election Day, Rochester has its first official candidate for the 2018 mayoral race.

Jordan Glynn announced his candidacy last week to a room of supporters at the Conley-Maass-Downs building in downtown Rochester. (An 8-minute video of the speech was posted to his campaign Facebook page on Sunday.)

Glynn is new to politics, having spent most of his career in the music industry. He started a production company in high school before working professionally as a songwriter and producer. He describes himself as a "businessman with a musician’s soul."

"My years in the music industry allowed me to travel, and to meet, and to work alongside a wide range of people from all walks of life," he told the crowd. "I have to admit, I once expected that my work would take me away from Rochester. But my path to this point has ... only shown me how extraordinary this community really is."

In the speech, Glynn avoided any personal references but took several shots at city government as an institution. Our elected offices have been engulfed by a "pattern of delay, inaction, personal agendas and wasteful spending," he said.

"There is much to be proud of when we consider how much Rochester has grown," said Glynn. "Yet the question must be asked: are we truly serving our full community?"

Glynn, a Rochester native whose family roots extend back five generations, cited transportation and rising living costs as areas where the city could make improvements.

"Not long ago, a young family would often choose a home here based on how far their children would have to walk to school. Now, many find themselves priced out of our housing market completely."

Rochester Mayor Ardell Brede, now in his fourth term, has not yet ruled out the possibility of a 2018 run. He will be 80 at the time.

Also, former DFL state legislator Kim Norton has indicated she will seek the position, though no formal announcement has been issued. She is said to be waiting on Brede's decision.

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Cover photo: Submitted