How conservative IS Rochester, MN? (Duluth, Jackson: fit in, schools, wage)

[jrsmama02]

We're doing research into relocating to Rochester, Minnesota. The only concern we have at this point is with the politics. We're diehard liberals, but I've been reading on the Minnesota threads that Rochester is considered a conservative city. What excatly does this label mean? Does this mean that institutional religion plays a signifigant or powerful role in government and public life there? Does this mean that funding of social services is not a priority? Does this mean there is homophobia? Can anyone give some examples of conservative policy in Rochester? Thanks!

[molochai2580]

In the last 7 years I've lived in Rochester, I've noticed a more liberal attitude. I've never known this town to be more conservative, and I'm not sure where that rumor comes from.

[Minnehahapolitan]

I think Rochester is only considered conservative in relation to other major cities in Minnesota. It is more a country club type conservativeness than a religious conservatism (although both exist). Rochester is becoming more liberal as it grows. I doubt a liberal will feel alienated, but you won't be among large numbers of like-minded people.

[Vagus]

Religion? Politics? Pooh pooh. Rochester is "conservative" in the business/economic sense because of the overwhelming influence of the Mayo Clinic, which is the real force in town. It either directly or indirectly controls much of the Rochester economy (it employs about 1/3 of the population) and basically looks out for its own interests. Rochester is, in fact, perhaps the best surviving American example of a true "company town."

The local government seems reasonably competent, if not particularly dynamic. I think a "visionary" leader with an aggressive agenda (of any political leaning) would not do well here because the 800-lb-gorilla would not appreciate radical change of any kind in it's back yard.

Religion . . . well, lots of people here go to church, but you don't have the in-your-face fundamentalist proselytizing you'd get in the south. Minnesota Lutherans are not big on confrontation People here don't really wear it on their sleeve.

Socially and culturally, it's not bad. I think there is actually a fairly good mix of liberal and conservative. They're not beating up gays in the street or anything like that. Plenty of Mayo docs at the Obama caucus events, too.

Bottom line, it sure aint Berkeley, but I don't think you'd really have a "fish out of water" feeling here either.

[catluvr]

If you're liberal, you'll fit in Minnesota anywhere you go! Especially Rochester.

[ME-Evergreen]

Rochester will be a great place for liberals. Actually Minnesota is generally a fairly liberal state and innovative as well. You will fit in just fine!

[Ben Around]

Politically, Rochester is a more conservative place than the Twin Cities, Duluth and most other places in the state. The traditional Republican stronghold in MN is sometimes called the "L". It's the counties that run along the Southern and Western boundaries of the state. Olmsted County, where Rochester is, is one of these counties. The area is the most agricultural and least unionized in the state. Until the last election, the congressional district where Rochester is had elected Republicans for ages.

But it is relative, as the other posters say. There's no place in MN where a liberal would not be able to find a niche.

[flyboy2u2]

My wife and I consider ourselves "liberal" (I prefer "progressive") and two years ago we moved from Rochester to Jacksonville, FL and felt like we moved from a wonderfully blissful/progressive/inclusive/thinking community to something completely opposite. If you're moving from the deep south, you'll be in for a shock, as you'll see that Rochester is an outstandng community for you and your family. The schools are outstanding, the community is (for the most part) very safe, the natural beauty of the area can be stunning. I was born there and lived most of my life in town or on the edge of town - and have seen it change from a small, close-knit community to a hustling/bustling metro area of over 100,000. With Mayo's Drs/RNS/allied health personnel/ etc and IBM/engineers anchoring the community, of course you're going to have conservative thoughts prevailing because of the wealth of the community. There is a lot of money in that town. But since Rochester got the "#1 city in the USA" rating 5 years in a row a few years back, there has been an influx of people that are at the lower end of the wage scale. And their needs and wants are different. So the tide has changed ... and slowly Rochester has been transformed into a more socially "needy" community ... and as a result, become more liberal. And I say that in a positive manner because I like the diversity and what comes with it. Rochester does take care of it's own, and always has done so. So with that said, I would not put Rochester in the same "conservative" group as, say - Jacksonville, because these people here are in a world of their own. The good old southern boys network and "you scratch my back and I'll scratch your back - under the table" frame of conservative mind in the north Florida area is more conservative than ANYTHING I ever saw or heard living in Rochester and any of the other States or countries I've visited or lived (... many). So the bottom line is that Rochester may be considered one of the more "conservative" regions of Minnesota, but it's nothing like "good old red-neck conservativism" I sadly see the south. Enjoy Rochester - you're in for a treat. Keep your mind open and you'll be just fine.