Rochester City Council Reaffirms Support for Somali Community on 5-1 Vote

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Rochester City Council passed a resolution reaffirming support for the city’s Somali community Monday night. 

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Councilmember Dan Doering introduced the resolution, citing concerning language he heard regarding Rochester’s Somali community. 

The resolution, which says about 4,000 Rochester residents are of Somali descent passed, on a 5-1 vote. 

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Rochester City Council Approves Resolution Reaffirming Support for Somali Community

“Members of Rochester’s Somali community contribute meaningfully to the local economy, workforce, civic life, schools, and cultural vitality, serving in a wide range of professions and roles,” the resolution says. 

Councilmember Patrick Keane introduced an amendment to strike a part of the resolution that calls for the city clerk to send copies of the resolution to “applicable community organizations” as well as state and federal lawmakers. 

Keane said sending copies of the resolution to the listed groups “brings the fight to them,” and takes the city out of its normal business. Keane also said he “doesn’t want to use the resolution to get a seat at the ring of these national debates.” 

Councilmember Norman Wahl seconded the amendment, saying other groups victimized by hate crimes have not received resolutions in the past. He also shared a concern the resolution would fracture the community.  

The amendment failed on a 4-2 vote, with council members Keane and Wahl voting in support of the amendment. 

Wahl then joined council members Palmer, Miller, Doering and Schubring in passing the resolution. Councilmember Andy Friedrichs was not present for the vote.