Letter from Legislator Barnhart Announcing Re-Election Campaign

Dear Neighbor,

I am writing to you to announce my reelection for a third term in the Monroe County Legislature. I am excited about the opportunity to represent portions of both the City of Rochester and Town of Irondequoit, a result of the redistricting process.

I bring a long record of collaboration and effectiveness in the Legislature:

  • Passed legislation strengthening protections for cyclists and relaunched a safe-driving campaign
  • Secured free phone calls for Monroe County Jail inmates, limiting profiteering from incarceration
  • Stopped food delivery apps like GrubHub from listing restaurants without their approval, as well as capping predatory fees during Covid shutdowns 
  • Planned and executed a Covid-19 vaccine “festival” with incentives, which served as a model for other cities 
  • Spearheaded a task force to study the digital divide and broadband solutions
  • Obtained funding for small businesses struggling during the pandemic
  • Played an integral role in securing six Black districts in the Monroe County redistricting process
  • Introduced pending legislation strengthening the Code of Ethics, prohibiting sexual harassment and banning officials from using county resources for politics

I graduated from John Marshall High School. I earned my undergraduate degree from Cornell University and a Master in Public Administration from Syracuse University. I served our community as a broadcast journalist for two decades, covering every aspect of Monroe County. I now direct media relations for a national nonprofit that addresses poverty through cash transfer initiatives such as guaranteed income. 

I cannot wait to reconnect with those of you whom I already represent and to make new connections as I visit your homes, neighborhood meetings and events. I look forward to hearing your concerns and priorities in the coming months. I’m always here to take your calls, texts and emails.

Warmly,

Rachel