After eight years on the Chaska City Council, Ward 4 councilor Jay Rohe announced his intention to run for mayor this fall.

The 44-year-old Rohe cited a lack of “strong leadership” and “time for a change” as a couple of his reasons for seeking the high seat.

“It’s important that we have a revolving door on the council,” he said. “It’s a healthy thing for the council.”

Rohe previously ran for mayor in 2002, but bowed out of the race then to focus on his career.

This time around, Rohe’s platform will focus on maintaining Chaska’s small-town heritage and values, while balancing growth and the need for downtown revitalization.

“As mayor, I will continue our long-standing traditions and will make sure that we strengthen these building blocks for our community as we continue to grow,” he said.

Rohe also pledges to improve citizen involvement and communication between residents and the city. “We must do a better job informing and educating our citizens of potential changes in land use that may impact their neighborhood,” he said.

In addition to his time on the council, Rohe has been a member of District 112’s Community Education Advisory Board, the Chaska Area Chamber of Commerce, Chaska Rotary, and has chaired the Southwest Transit Commission.

Rohe and his wife Heidi have lived in Chaska since 1996. They have twin 12-year-old daughters, Hannah and Sarah.

Rohe is currently employed at Milestone AV Technologies in Savage as the director of commercial sales. He and his family live at 2535 Christian Drive in the Cortina Woods neighborhood.

-Mollee Francisco, staff writer