Britt Noser to run for Rochester mayor

A second candidate has emerged in this year’s Rochester mayoral race.

Business owner Britt Noser announced this week his intentions to seek the position, now held by Mayor Kim Norton.

Noser said his campaign will focus on three priorities: public safety, “re-imagining DMC,” and de-emphasizing partisanship in local politics.

“The non-partisan nature of our city government allows City Hall the opportunity to position Rochester diplomatically regardless of who is in charge in St. Paul or Washington,” Noser said via email. “I would use a decision making process focused on local, organic ideas and rely less on consultants from other states and countries.”

Prior to starting his own real estate business, Noser, a Rochester native, worked in apartment management and as a high school teacher.

On his campaign website, Noser describes the upcoming election as a “a choice between organic, local leadership that will listen to all citizens and partisan elites who act like they know best.”

He also targets DMC, the 20-year, $5.6 billion development project downtown, which he says has not been delivering on its promises.

“If DMC is to truly achieve local buy-in, it must equally consider the needs of the people that live here and Mayo Clinic,” wrote Noser.

Noser joins Brad Trahan, a recruitment professional, as the only two candidates who have announced bids for the mayoral position.

Norton has not made an announcement regarding her 2022 candidacy, but is expected to seek a second term in office.

Candidates can begin filing for office from May 17 through May 31.

Cover photo: Noser / Submitted