Joe Rocha moved to Marion in 2015 with the intent to raise his son here and currently works for healthcare company and for BOLD moves Real Estate.

Paradoxically, he was drawn to the position, “because I don’t have experience. It seemed really intriguing,” he said adding that, “There’s a lot I don’t know about Marion still, and I want to get to know people better.”

He already has some ideas for how to help improve continuity on the board, and to standardize the process. He also observed that towns often look for the least expensive solution, but they should also consider taking something more expensive and looking for grants or other means to fund the project.

“It sounds like the town needs money,” Rocha said, adding that it could be a good idea to look at what’s worked in the past, but also “there are a lot of people who think that the town needs business. I probably agree.”

He thinks his strongest trait will be his open mind, and business knowledge.