New mayor of Rohnert Park strives for involvement with Sonoma State

2012's new mayor will soon aid the ongoing process of Sonoma State and Rohnert Park trying to bridge the gap between students and community.

Jake Mackenzie, who has served on Rohnert Park city council for the last 15 years, will make the transition to mayor on Tuesday, Dec. 13.

Rohnert Park can look to their new mayor as an example of sustainable living because he lives a very sustainable lifestyle.

Hopefully he will greatly increase the revenues for the city as Rohnert Park celebrates their 50-year. He strives to keep an open relationship with all aspects of the campus as he has done in the past.

"I've strived to work with the administration, faculty, staff and students. I helped start the annual meeting of mayor with faculty senate, and as mayor I met regularly with AS senate," said Mackenzie.

The communication between Rohnert Park and the students will be open since the mayor stated that he is willing to put forth effort.

According to junior Erin O'Connor, students do not always feel that Rohnert Park is the most college friendly.

"A strong relationship between students at SSU and the residents of Rohnert Park is important, because the student body accounts for a large percentage of the population here," said O'Connor.

Mackenzie made it clear that he wants to bridge the gap between the community and students. Mackenzie is open to students coming to council meetings, as well as sitting in on AS meetings himself.

"The council has maintained communication with faculty and students. It is important and I intend to maintain communication," said Mackenzie.

Although this will be Mackenzie's fourth time serving as mayor--he served in 2001, 2005 and 2008--he still shows excitement towards working with SSU.

"I look forward to working with President Armiñana, Provost Rogerson and VP Condron on issues which will improve the connections between RP City and the SSU campus," said Mackenzie.

Mackenzie explained how he has met with Provost Andrew Rogerson, who expressed interest in cooperative projects between SSU and the city. Not only does Mackenzie strive to continue improving this relationship, he also promotes sustainable living and finding alternate sources of getting to school besides viz car.

"The city and SSU are connected by bike paths; schools should be encouraging students to bike or walk," said Mackenzie.

He said that he leads by example and is constantly striving to live a greener life.

Not only does he want a more earth friendly life style for himself, but in all aspects of the city including building projects. Rohnert Park does have potential of new business endeavors, which would help increase the town's revenue.

"We are in a difficult climate to increase economic activity in Rohnert Park, but if anyone can do it, Jack can," said Shawn Kilat, assistant to the provost.

The mayor is also working to boost the economy. Since students provide a large customer base, it is a main reason to encourage companies to build in Rohnert Park.

"Because there are so many students here, they contribute a large portion of money to local economy. It is good that the mayor is willing to put a strong emphasis between community and the university," said O'Connor.

The mayor said the city council has and always will encourage more building, especially because they have the space available.

"We are confronted with the financial picture of revenues decreasing; over half come from hotels and sales tax. We are always looking to encourage business to come to Rohnert Park," said Mackenzie.

With a hope that as the student body grows, not only may it lead to future businesses wanting to come to the city, but also more students are available as consumers.