Michael Walters announces bid for Ward 5

Planning and Zoning Commission Member Michael Walters announced Monday his plans to campaign for Mark Hickey's seat on the Rochester City Council. Hickey — now in the final year of his first term — has not publicly stated whether he plans to seek re-election in Ward 5.

Walters, a practicing attorney and former president of the Olmsted County Bar Association, lives in northeast Rochester with his wife and two children. His campaign is focused on making government accessible and transparent, promoting a healthy economy, and "keeping Rochester local and vibrant."

“My grandfather grew up in the Northrop neighborhood. Rochester was different then," Walters said in a news release. "We built parks and public institutions, and it’s what gave my family a strong town to grow up in. I want our children and their children to have the same."

The Century High School grad is the first candidate to announce a bid for Rochester City Council in 2018. Wards 1 (Ed Hruska), 3 (Nick Campion) and 5 (Hickey) — along with mayor — are all on the ballot this November.

We reached out to Hickey Monday morning, but he did not immediately return our call. This story will be updated when/if we hear back. In addition to his role on the council, Hickey also serves on the Destination Medical Center Corporation Board.

More on Walters' campaign can be found here.