Present.

Accountable.

Focused on you.

Michael DeSimone in a blue blazer and jeans standing in front of a tree

Present.
Accountable.
Focused on you.

Leadership for Rohnert Park's Future.

Building on a Strong Foundation

Rohnert Park is a wonderful place to call home, with a strong foundation and an exciting future. I'm running for City Council to bring thoughtful leadership, open communication, and a commitment to listening and serving our community.

Together, we can build on what makes Rohnert Park special while preparing responsibly for the opportunities ahead.

Meet Michael

Michael and his husband Daniel on their wedding day wearing matching gray suits and blue ties

Where I Come From

I grew up in the Chicago suburbs. My mother worked in nursing, and my father ran small businesses and worked in the trades. From them, I learned the value of hard work, accountability, and showing up for others—lessons that have shaped my career and my approach to leadership.

I've spent more than 20 years in healthcare leadership, working in complex environments where decisions have real consequences for people and communities. My work has focused on bringing people together, solving problems thoughtfully, managing resources responsibly, and delivering results.

My family's connection to public service runs deep as well. My brother spent his career in law enforcement and now works in city government, giving me another perspective on the importance of public service and the impact local government can have on people's everyday lives.

Michael, his husband Daniel and their mothers pose take a selfie at a park

Stepping Forward to Serve

I believe local government works best when leaders are accessible, responsive, and accountable to the people they serve. As I’ve become more involved in Rohnert Park, I’ve felt an increasing responsibility to contribute to the community we call home.

I’m running for City Council because I believe Rohnert Park has a strong foundation and an exciting future. As our city grows and evolves, I want to help bring people together, ask thoughtful questions, make informed decisions, and find practical solutions that serve both today's residents and future generations.

I’m stepping forward because I care deeply about this community and believe I have the experience, energy, and leadership to make a meaningful contribution.

Michael and his husband Daniel at a San Francisco Giants baseball game

Finding Home in Rohnert Park

My husband, Daniel, grew up in Rohnert Park, and when we had the opportunity to choose where to build our life, we chose Sonoma County. In 2022, we decided to be closer to family, return Daniel to his roots, and build our future in a place that offers both a strong sense of community and the natural beauty that makes Northern California so special.

Since moving here, I've made it a priority to become involved in our community—meeting neighbors, listening to residents, and learning more about the opportunities and challenges facing our city. The more engaged I've become, the more I've come to appreciate what makes Rohnert Park special and the importance of thoughtful leadership as our community continues to grow and evolve.

My Vision for
Rohnert Park

View of the Sonoma Valley from a regional park

I believe Rohnert Park has a strong foundation and an exciting future. My vision is to build on that foundation through thoughtful leadership, open communication, and a commitment to serving our community.

As our city grows and evolves, we have an opportunity to protect what makes Rohnert Park special while thoughtfully preparing for what's ahead. I believe that means listening to residents, making informed and responsible decisions, and considering both the immediate and long-term impact on our community.

I believe trust is built through honest communication, thoughtful leadership, and accountability. Residents deserve to understand not only what decisions are made, but the facts, considerations, and reasoning behind them.

Together, we can continue building a Rohnert Park that is welcoming, connected, financially responsible, and prepared for the future.

My Priorities

My priorities are grounded in what I believe matters most for Rohnert Park: responsive and accountable leadership, responsible stewardship of public resources, thoughtful growth, and a safe, connected community where people are proud to call home.

Responsive & Accountable Leadership ——————————

Residents deserve a local government that listens, communicates clearly, and makes it easy to understand how and why decisions are made. I will be visible, accessible, and committed to creating meaningful opportunities for residents to participate in the conversation.

Leadership starts with listening—and accountability means staying engaged after the decision is made.

Responsible Stewardship

——————————

Every taxpayer dollar should be managed thoughtfully. I will ask tough questions, evaluate long-term costs and benefits, and prioritize investments that protect essential services, maintain our infrastructure, and keep Rohnert Park financially strong.

Responsible government means making smart choices today while planning for tomorrow.

Thoughtful Growth
——————————

Growth should strengthen our community. As Rohnert Park continues to evolve, we need development that considers housing, transportation, infrastructure, local businesses, public services, and the character of our neighborhoods together—not in isolation.

Good planning means welcoming opportunity while protecting the quality of life that makes Rohnert Park special.

Safe & Connected Community
——————————

Great communities are places where people feel safe, welcome, and connected. That means supporting public safety, maintaining our streets, parks, and public spaces, strengthening neighborhood connections, and creating opportunities for residents of every age to participate in community life.

Rohnert Park should remain a place where people are proud to live, work, raise a family, and call home.

District 2: Our Community

District 2 is more than a boundary on a map. It's a collection of neighborhoods, families, businesses, and neighbors who each have a stake in the future of Rohnert Park.

It's also the community I call home.

I'm running to ensure District 2 has a strong, accessible voice on the City Council—one grounded in listening, communication, and an understanding of the issues that affect our neighborhoods every day.

Map of the city of Rohnert Park divided into five districts, with streets and neighborhoods labeled, including numbered markers for each district, and a date of adoption on March 8, 2022.

Upcoming Events

 
Picnic table and playground at Magnolia Park in Rohnert Park

Latest News

Make An Impact Today

This Campaign Starts with Community.

Sign for Rohnert Park, describing it as the friendly city, home of Rancho Cotate Cougars & Tech High Titans, with various organizational logos below.

Rohnert Park deserves leadership that listens, shows up, and stays connected to the people it serves.

Your contribution helps build a grassroots campaign focused on responsive leadership, responsible stewardship, thoughtful growth, and a safe, connected community.

Together, we can help create a more connected and livable Rohnert Park.

Get Involved

Help shape the future of Rohnert Park!

This campaign is built on community involvement, open conversation, and local engagement. Whether you want to stay informed, volunteer, host an event, or simply share your thoughts about the future of Rohnert Park, I’d love to hear from you.