Kelly Cheatle (Rochester City Council, New York, candidate 2025)

Kelly Cheatle (Democratic Party) ran for election to Rochester City Council in New York on June 24, 2025.^[1]

Elections

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

Kelly Cheatle completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Cheatle's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Kelly Cheatle understands the power of collective action and how people thrive through connection and inspiration. As a community organizer, she fights for housing justice, transparent government, and resilient neighborhoods. Both light-hearted and lion-hearted, Kelly brings creativity, strategy, and bold advocacy to uplift and amplify the voices of poor and working-class Rochesterians.

Kelly’s political philosophy is rooted in equity, care, and collective power. She believes government should serve everyday people—not corporations or the wealthy few—and that community problems require community solutions. She’s committed to organizing alongside her neighbors to build a future that is just, sustainable, and democratic.

An accomplished visual artist, Kelly’s sculptural work has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, and Make Magazine. She’s also an active writer, with published essays, op-eds, and two children’s books—Artist Eyes and And He Puffed—plus a Guinness World Record.

Kelly is the proud mother of four young adults and lives in Rochester’s Park Avenue neighborhood in a multigenerational home with her husband, Larry Moss. Nearly two decades ago, they launched Airigami, a creative studio that began in the Hungerford and now calls MADE ON STATE in High Falls home.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

TRANSPARENCY & ACCOUNTABILITY Top-down decision-making shuts out the people most affected—and that has to change. We need leadership that opens doors, not closes them. I believe in a government that’s transparent, accessible, & accountable—where community voices shape policy from the beginning, not as an afterthought. That means creating public processes that start with the people. I will advocate for a Council Office of Racial Equity to assess the impact of legislation, push for early and meaningful public input, and make government more accessible by live-streaming and archiving Public Speak to Council sessions. I’ll hold regular office hours in community spaces—because staying connected is how we build trust and accountability.
SAFE AFFORDABLE HOUSING Housing should be about homes, not profit. Corporate landlords and short-term investors are hollowing out our neighborhoods, extracting wealth without giving back. I’ll fight private equity takeovers and promote policies that keep housing permanently affordable and community-owned. We must protect and expand affordable housing, preserve what we have, support aging in place, and back tenant purchase opportunities, housing co-ops, and community land trusts—because real community safety comes from local ownership and long-term care.
COMMUNITY RESILIENCE & LOCAL SUFFICIENCY Our future depends on how we prepare today. Building a self-sufficient, sustainable city means investing in public power, local food systems, literacy, and shared knowledge—so no one is left behind. When we educate and connect our communities, we grow the power to create lasting change. I’ll fight to expand green infrastructure, support public power, and invest in literacy. I’ll work to strengthen our regional food system by connecting with Western NY producers to address food deserts and prepare for future disruptions—because local food access is climate readiness, economic justice, and community health.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes and no. It’s important for councilmembers to understand the rules, processes, and responsibilities of the job—how the body works and how to relate to the public in that role. That’s why I chose to work as a legislative aide first: to get firsthand experience with what the job requires—and where it falls short.

But I also believe it’s crucial to have a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints on Council. We need people who can evaluate legislation from different angles and truly reflect the needs of our community. As an artist and organizer, I bring a creative, people-centered approach to problem-solving that’s grounded in collaboration, care, and seeing the bigger picture.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I’m a creative problem-solver, a clear communicator, and someone who knows how to bring people together to get things done. I lead with empathy but stay rooted in strong values—I know when to compromise and when to stand firm.

I’ve spent years organizing in the community, listening deeply, and turning big ideas into real action. I’m also not afraid to challenge systems that aren’t working. I bring a mix of strategy, heart, and hands-on experience that’s grounded in care for people and a vision for a more just and sustainable future.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

Strong communication, critical thinking, and the ability to collaborate across differences are essential for this office. Councilmembers need to listen deeply, understand budgets and land use, and translate community needs into policy. Just as important is the ability to engage the public with clarity, empathy, and transparency.

But skills alone aren’t enough. You need a strong sense of values—to know when to hold the line and when to bend. This role requires balancing practical decision-making with a deep commitment to justice and the people you serve. That’s the kind of leadership I bring as both an organizer and an artist: thoughtful, grounded, and unafraid to stand firm when it matters most.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The legacy I’d like to leave is a community that’s better informed, more empowered, and deeply engaged in local government—where people understand how the system works and how to advocate for themselves long after I’ve left office. I believe lasting change comes when the tools of democracy are in the people’s hands.

I also hope to establish a Council Office of Racial Equity to evaluate legislation for its impact before it’s passed—so we can legislate more responsibly, prevent harm, and build a city that works better for everyone.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

An elected official should be accountable, transparent, and grounded in the community they serve. They need to listen first, act with integrity, and center the needs of the most impacted, not the loudest or most powerful voices. Above all, they should be willing to challenge the status quo, share power, and work alongside the people to build a more just and equitable future.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

City Council holds critical responsibilities: oversight of city government, taxation, and land use. These aren’t just technical duties—they shape the future of our city and the daily lives of the people who call it home. That’s why it’s so important to have councilmembers who are future-oriented, equity-driven, and deeply connected to the community.

Land use decisions determine what gets built, where, and for whom. They affect affordability, access to green space, walkability, and overall livability. If we’re not thoughtful, we risk pushing out the very people who have built and sustained this city for generations. We need to approach these responsibilities with a long view—making choices today that ensure Rochester stays inclusive, sustainable, and rooted in care for the people who live here now and for those who come after us.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I'm passionate about community building, civic engagement, and planning for a future where everyone can live a good life—planting seeds in gardens we may never get to see. I believe in policies that strengthen connection, build shared power, and prepare us for what’s ahead. Whether through public education, resilient infrastructure, or the arts, my focus is on creating the conditions for people to thrive—now and for generations to come.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency and government accountability are non-negotiable. Public money should serve the public good, and people deserve to know how decisions are made and where their tax dollars go. Too often, deals are made behind closed doors with little community input or oversight.

I believe in open budgets, accessible data, and decision-making that includes the people from the start. Accountability means elected officials don’t just show up for photo ops—they show up with answers, take responsibility, and keep the public informed every step of the way.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

City Council plays a critical role in shaping daily life—from housing and land use to public safety and how our tax dollars are spent. What makes it unique is its proximity to the people and its power to pass local laws, oversee city agencies, and hold systems accountable.

At a time when the federal government is lowering the bar, strong local democracy is essential. This is where we can push back, protect public resources, and build policies that actually serve our communities. Local leadership must rise to the moment—listening, acting boldly, and putting people first.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

During the fight against the proposed Business Improvement District (BID)—a plan pushed by wealthy property owners to shift public resources into private hands—we pushed hard for a public hearing to make sure the community’s voice was heard. But we needed an ally on Council willing to host one. That experience showed me how powerful, yet underused, this tool is.

Public hearings can expose systemic issues, bring transparency, and hold agencies and special interests accountable. As a Councilmember, I won’t wait for others to act—I’ll use this power to elevate community voices and ensure the public is part of every major decision.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Working Families Party, LGBTQ Victory Fund, NYPAN, ROCDSA, LPAC, Rocitizen, Eleanor's Legacy, Citizen Action, Vocal Action Fund

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I’d recommend the short poem “For Want of a Nail.” It’s a simple but powerful reminder of how small problems, when ignored, can lead to massive consequences:

For want of a nail, the shoe was lost. For want of a shoe, the horse was lost. For want of a horse, the rider was lost. For want of a rider, the message was lost. For want of a message, the battle was lost. For want of a battle, the kingdom was lost. And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.

To me, this poem reflects why we need to address community needs early, when they’re still fixable, not wait until they’ve grown into full-blown crises. My political philosophy is rooted in care, foresight, and collective responsibility—solving problems at the root, not just reacting to the damage.

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