Bob Duffy was elected Lieutenant Governor in November 2010 after he and running mate Andrew Cuomo ran a successful campaign to lead New York State. Duffy had been mayor of Rochester, NY since January 1, 2006.
His time as Mayor was marked by boundless energy, an immeasurable faith in the city’s potential and a commitment to transforming Rochester into “One City” where all citizens benefit from the vast wealth of its resources.
As the City’s chief executive, Bob Duffy navigated the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression by reducing the cost of government, yet improving services. Under his stewardship, the value of property in Rochester has risen, while the tax rate has declined. He reduced the city workforce to its lowest level since the Truman administration, while attracting millions of dollars in private-sector investments.
Highlights of Bob Duffy’s time as mayor include the successful launch of the Midtown Rising Project, which will bring the world headquarters of PAETEC Holdings Corp. to downtown Rochester as part of the most significant development to the Center City in more than four decades; the completion of the Brooks Landing development after more than 20 years of planning; construction of the ESL Federal Credit Union headquarters in downtown; and a steady stream of new business activity along the city’s commercial corridors.
His mayoral accomplishments also include merging three departments into the highly efficient and effective Department of Neighborhood and Business Development; fostering government transparency and accountability through the creation of the Office of Public Integrity; adopting the 311 Call Center to give citizens immediate access to City services; and investing in public safety to bring Rochester’s rate of serious crime to its lowest point in 25 years.
Born in Rochester’s Tenth Ward, Duffy graduated from the Aquinas Institute, Monroe Community College and Rochester Institute of Technology. After joining the Rochester Police Department in 1976, he worked nights to earn a Master’s degree from Syracuse University. He became Deputy Chief of Police in 1992 and Rochester’s Chief of Police in 1998.
The youngest of three brothers, Bob Duffy and his wife Barbara are the proud parents of daughters Erin and Shannon. He enjoys spending time with his family, reading and running.
