Joe O'Toole Jr.
Age: 68
Occupation: Parish administrator, Holy Spirit Catholic Church and theology teacher at Lourdes High School.
Education: Associates degree, Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell, Pa.; bachelor's degree, Eastern University in Wayne, Pa.; master's and doctorate in ministry, LaSalle University in Philadelphia.
Community involvement: Rochester Ethical Practices Board, Rochester Charter Commission, promotional interview boards for Rochester's police and fire departments.
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Candidate questions
What motivated you to file as a candidate for the Ward 5 seat on the Rochester City Council, and what skills or knowledge do you possess that you believe would benefit the council?
In addition to my work at Holy Spirit Parish and Lourdes High School, I have served on the city's Ethical Practices Board, the city's Charter Commission and as a member of the promotional interview boards for the police and fire departments.
In your opinion, what is the most important issue for Ward 5?
The most important issue for the entire city is the implementation of Destination Medical Center. The impact will be felt not just downtown, but in each and every ward. This will include growth issues relative to population, educational needs, transportation needs and city-wide impact on quality-of-life issues.
Briefly describe a job or experience that was significant in shaping the person you are today, and explain how that would benefit the council.
My experience in public service as a police officer, investigator, successful business owner, leader, teacher, community volunteer — all of these experiences have shaped and continue to shape who I am. They have made me a responsible leader, strategic thinker, effective listener, seeker of input, and a life-long learner.
