Dear Neighbor,

This spring is a time of hope. As I walk through the district speaking with so many of you, it’s clear the past year has been one of loss and hardship. I am also reminded of the strength and kindness of our community.

Serving our community as County Legislator is an honor. I’m a lifelong Democrat and city resident, graduating from John Marshall High School. I went on to get my undergraduate degree from Cornell University and Master in Public Administration from Syracuse University. After many years as a journalist, I work for a national nonprofit that fights for voting rights. I live in the Beechwood neighborhood.

I love our city and county and work every day to make our home a better place. Here are some highlights of my record working on behalf of the 21st District and you:

  • Grants for small businesses impacted by the pandemic, with an emphasis on women and minority-owned businesses and businesses in distressed Zip codes.
  • Funding for Rochester City School District students to get upgraded internet devices for remote learning.
  • Establishment of the Monroe County Advisory Task Force on Broadband, of which I am a member.
  • A plan providing no-cost calls to inmates, which are a huge burden on families, which unanimously passed the Legislature.
  • A cap on the predatory fees third-party food delivery apps, such as Grubhub and DoorDash, can charge restaurants. 
  • Repeal of an onerous and unconstitutional law that made it a crime to annoy first responders. 
  • Increased funding in mental health and substance abuse services in the wake of the Daniel Prude tragedy.
  • Ethics reform legislation that specifically addresses sexual harassment and conflicts of interest.
  • A law to mandate a 3-foot minimum distance for drivers passing cyclists.

With your support, we can continue to work together to make Monroe County a place where everyone has opportunity. I am always here for you. 

Endorsements

  • Working Families Party
  • Citizen Action
  • Rochester Labor Council
  • CSEA
  • Monroe Community College Faculty Association
  • Federation of Social Workers
  • Rochester Teachers Association
  • BENTE
  • Laborers, Local 435
  • United Association of Plumbers, Pipefitters and Sprinkler Fitters, Local 13
  • Sheet Metal Workers’ International, Local 46
  • International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers
  • Iron Workers, Local 33
  • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 86
  • Rochester Building Trades

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What Does a County Legislator Do?

Twenty-nine Monroe County legislators make the laws and policies governing the 748,000 people in the county. Legislators are also responsible for approving the county budget. Monroe County performs critical functions in areas including human services, criminal justice, public safety, transportation, economic development and parks. County legislators are citizen-representatives who work in various professions.

Click here for official map of the district. Click on 21st Legislative District.

Contact Rachel

Email rachel@rachbarnhart.com.

Text or call 585-210-3246.