Loring Stead announces plans to run for Ward 2 seat on Rochester City Council

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

May 15—ROCHESTER — Loring Stead has become the third candidate to officially announce plans to seek the Ward 2 seat on the Rochester City Council.

The retired Olmsted Medical Center surgeon said he hopes to build on years of community service.

"Shortly after moving back to Rochester following my podiatric medical and surgical residency in Chicago, I was enlightened to the many community needs while enrolled In one of the earliest Greater Rochester Leadership programs," Stead wrote in a statement announcing his plans. "Like many of my fellow graduates, I was instilled with a passion to live a life of service above self dedicated to the Rochester community. This enthusiasm has been reflected in my achievements over a lifetime of community commitments."

Stead is seeking to replace Ward 2 council member Mark Bransford, who has announced he will not seek a second term in the ward that stretches west and south of downtown Rochester.

He said his key priorities for the city are attracting quality jobs and supporting efforts to create affordable housing for all residents. He said other goals are based on conversations he's had with southwest Rochester residents.

"The priorities and vision Ward 2 neighbors have shared in our conversations include maintaining a great quality of life, safe, welcoming community, great schools, parks, bike trails, swimming pools, library, vibrant downtown and shopping and transportation needs, including cars, buses, airport, walking, bikes and parking," he said.

Stead joins Nick Miller and Tripp Welch in announcing plans to seek the Ward 2 seat.

The official filing period for City Council seats is May 21 through June 3. If three or more candidates file for the council seat, an Aug. 13 primary election will be held to narrow the field to two candidates for the Nov. 5 general election ballot.