Cory Sorgenfrie announces run for Ward 4 seat on Rochester City Council

Randy Petersen, Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Minn.
·2 min read

May 14—ROCHESTER — Cory Sorgenfrie is planning a challenge for the Ward 4 Rochester City Council seat in the Nov. 5 election.

"Prior to announcing, I have been spending time speaking to people across the Fourth Ward to hear their concerns for the city of Rochester," he said Tuesday in a statement announcing plans to seek the seat in the ward that sits south and east of downtown.

A retired manager in Cargill Corp.'s animal feed division, Sorgenfrie said he wants to serve on the council to address the concerns he heard from other residents, which include a desire to lower crime, create affordable housing for first-time homebuyers and develop transportation that addresses costs of parking downtown.

A ward resident for more than 30 years who raised five children with his wife in the community, the candidate said his volunteer activity in the community has offered him the opportunity to discuss the city's needs with a variety of individuals throughout the city.

He has served as president and coach with the Rochester Youth Football Association, fundraising chairman and coach with the Rochester Youth Baseball Association and a member of the design committee for Rochester Community and Technical College's regional sports complex.

Sorgenfrie said he continues to work on his campaign materials ahead of the official May 21 to June 3 filing period for city elections.

His filing is expected to be a challenge to first-term council member Kelly Rae Kirkpatrick, who has said she plans to seek a second term in the Nov. 5 election.

Rochester business owner Andy Friederichs has also announced plans to run for the seat. With more than two potential candidates, an Aug. 13 primary election is expected to narrow the field to two candidates for the Nov. 5 ballot.