Elected to a two-year term of office, presides over the City Council, serves as ex-officio member, and is recognized as the City’s Chief Elected Official. The Mayor may recommend or introduce proposed ordinances, resolutions, or motions to the Council, and has the power to veto any ordinances, legislative resolution, or appropriation adopted by the Council. The Mayor does not vote on Council matters except in the case of a tie (except on zoning issues). The Mayor appoints the Deputy Mayor and makes appointments to boards and commissions.
Biography
Michael S. Rohde was sworn in as Meriden’s 48th Mayor on July 21, 2008 and re-elected in November 2009 for a two-year term. Before becoming Mayor, Mike was elected to the City Council in 1989 and has continued to serve on the Council ever since. During this time, he has taken on a variety of leadership roles, including Council Majority Whip and Majority Leader. Mike Rohde is well known in this city, not only for his service on the City Council, but also for his unflagging commitment over the past many years to the advancement of many charitable organizations.
Mayor Rohde's leadership abilities have allowed him to succeed in more than just the political arena. In his professional career, Mayor Rohde worked for the Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut in New Haven as the Director of Development. Prior to this, he has also worked as Executive Director of The Cove Center for Grieving Children in Meriden and as Director of Community, Corporate and Government Relations of The Curtis Home Inc., in Meriden. Mayor Rohde began his career at Deep River's Mount Saint John School for Boys and worked at the school in a variety of capacities.
Mayor Rohde holds a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Psychology from St. John Fisher College in Rochester, N.Y., and a Master's Degree in Human Services Administration from Antioch University in Keene, New Hampshire. Mike is married to Nancy Rohde and together they have two children, Matthew Rohde and Amanda Dietz.
In a recent letter to the citizens of Meriden, Mayor Rohde wrote, “I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the leadership of the Meriden community and making whatever contributions I could to our community. I get immense enjoyment from helping others and making good things happen. Both my role as a City Councilor, and now as Mayor of the City of Meriden, have given me wonderful opportunities to fulfill my desire to help others. My dad always said "try to leave a place better than you found it," and I have found his words to be very motivational.
Meriden has a bright future. As a mid-sized city, we are able to address our challenges. We are not overwhelmed by big city problems. We have numerous natural assets and resources, not the least of which is our residents who contribute to our vibrancy, resiliency and progress.”
It's all about Meriden - and our time is now!
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