Rochester’s best days are ahead of it, said Mayor Lovely Warren in her first-ever State of the City address last week. Warren’s speech focused on three concepts: more jobs, safer streets, and better schools. It did not include any major new initiatives, but highlighted some of the projects happening around the city, including College Town […]
Christine Carrie Fien
I'm City's news editor, which means I oversee all aspects of our news-gathering operation. I also sneak in to an occasional City Council meeting and cover Rochester's intriguing and eclectic neighbors. My family has a long legacy here, and I'm proud to continue to represent.
Posted inNews & Opinion
[UPDATED] Del Smith to leave Warren administration
Del Smith, head of the city’s Department of Neighborhood and Business Development and a very public face of Mayor Lovely Warren’s administration, is stepping down, according to multiple sources. According to the city’s website, Smith oversees the city’s housing and economic development programs, planning and zoning activities, and building and property code enforcement efforts. Smith […]
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Warren speech focuses on jobs, public safety, education
Rochester’s best days are ahead of it, said Mayor Lovely Warren in her first-ever State of the City address tonight. Warren spoke at Wilson High School, her alma mater. She was introduced by Wilson’s former principal, Suzanne Johnston. Warren’s speech centered around three concepts: more jobs, safer streets, and better schools. It did not include […]
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Theory: GOP lured Doorley to protect Dinolfo
I never bought into the theory that the GOP duped county DA Sandra Doorley into switching parties. In case you haven’t heard it, the story goes that local Republicans threatened to get a big-name judge (Charles Siragusa is the name I usually hear) to challenge Doorley unless the DA jumped to the GOP. And Democrats, […]
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Transit center: Positive marks, and one big problem
After years of planning and quite a bit of controversy, Rochester’s transit center has opened to mostly positive reviews from regular bus riders who say that they appreciate the building’s warmth and amenities. Apple co-founder Steve Jobs would approve of the center’s high-tech functioning yet simplicity of design. Large touch screens let passengers plan their […]
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[UPDATED] Former Police Chief James Sheppard to run for County Legislature
He is running as a Democrat for the 23rd District seat, which is currently held by Paul Haney.
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Rochester to undertake citywide climate inventory
The City of Rochester will hire a consultant to help it put together a Climate Action Plan — a step that an official says builds on other projects and programs helping to make Rochester a more sustainable and, therefore, more desirable city. “You want to be in a community that’s somewhat progressive in sustainability areas. […]
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The stakes are high for scrambling local Dems
Let’s borrow a euphemism from the sports world and call 2015 a “rebuilding” year for local Democrats. The Democratic brand is in trouble everywhere, but the local scene is particularly alarming. The latest development is the defection of County DA Sandra Doorley – formerly one of the Dems’ brightest stars. The Democrats I’ve talked to […]
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The comeback: Molly Clifford’s running for City Council
Such is the turbulent state of local politics at the moment that a reporter asked if Molly Clifford, who announced her bid for City Council this morning, is running as a Democrat. A bit of background: Clifford is a long time, solid-blue Dem who once ran the local party. But the Dems, you see, are […]
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County DA Sandra Doorley jumps parties
The Monroe County GOP has picked off one of the Democrats’ top stars. Today, county District Attorney Sandra Doorley announced that she is switching her party enrollment from Democrat to Republican. Doorley’s victory over Republican Bill Taylor in the 2011 DA’s race was a rare prize for local Dems, who haven’t enjoyed much success in […]
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Historical Society moves part of collection to Sibley
The Rochester Historical Society continues to struggle to find its footing. The latest: finances forced the organization out of its space at the Rundel library late last year. The society hadn’t paid its rent — $48,000 annually — since early in 2013. (Library officials say they don’t intend to pursue the back rent at this […]
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Some City Council members want say in RHA appointments
Right now, the mayor of the City of Rochester appoints five of the seven members of the Rochester Housing Authority board. But some City Council members say that Council should have a role, too, says Council member Matt Haag. “We’d like to have some discussions with the mayor and with the Council president about future […]
