For
Immediate Release:
Monday,
September 21, 2020
City Council Names
Replacement for Vacant Councilmember at Large Seat
Miguel
A. Meléndez, Jr. has been selected to fill the vacant Councilmember at Large
seat on the Rochester City Council. Mr. Meléndez will be appointed to
serve until December 31, 2021, which coincides with the end of the term for
that seat. The seat was vacated on August 27, 2020 and by Charter the City
Council has 30 days to appoint a new Councilmember.
“I
want to thank all of the individuals who reached out with interest in the
Councilmember at Large seat, as well as the citizens who reached out to us
supporting candidates. At this crucial time in our City’s history, we
need thoughtful, engaged leaders like Miguel Meléndez to help move our
community forward. Our decision was not easy, we considered a number of truly
qualified candidates. In the end, the combination of Miguel’s support and
connections in the community combined with his understanding of City government
based on his extensive work and advocacy with the City made him the Council’s
choice for appointment. I am excited to welcome Miguel A. Meléndez, Jr. to the
City Council to serve as our next City Councilmember at Large,” said City
Council President Loretta C. Scott.
"It is a tremendous honor to have been selected to serve in the seat
vacated by former Councilmember Jacklyn Ortiz,” said Meléndez, “We have worked
together for a number of years and I know she will be a resource. I am grateful
to this Council for recognizing my passion, acknowledging my community work,
and selecting to appoint me to serve as their colleague. My work with Ibero has
connected me to individuals and organizations throughout the City, and I know
that they will keep me accountable in this role. I cherish the opportunity to
articulate grassroots issues, uplift everyday voices, support communities of
color, and advocate with residents. I will work with everyone to move our city
forward.”
The City Council will hold a Special Meeting on
Thursday, September 24, 2020 at 4:00pm on Zoom to formally vote on legislation
naming Miguel A. Meléndez, Jr. to serve as a Councilmember at Large. At the end
of the meeting, newly appointed Councilmember Meléndez will take his Oath of
Office. A short biography and photo of Mr. Meléndez is attached.
M. Meléndez, Jr. Biography
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Media
Contact: BJ Scanlon - (585) 428-7538