Quiet start to Rochester election season
ROCHESTER — There are 15 open seats on the Rochester ballot in the upcoming May 28 election, with five incumbents taking out nomination papers so far.
It’s still pretty early on in the race as candidates have until April 21 at 5 p.m. to take out papers and April 23 at 5 p.m. to return them.
As of Tuesday, Feb. 25, no seats are contested and no newcomers have joined the race.
On the Select Board, Brad Morse will be seeking reelection for his eighth term. During previous election coverage, Morse stated he continues to run because he wants to see the town continue to move forward.
Two seats are opening on the Planning Board, with Michael Murphy and Chris Silveira up for reelection. Murphy, who is a long-time resident of Rochester and has held several town positions over the year, has been a member of the Planning Board for over a decade and has recently taken out nomination papers.
It is not yet clear if Silveira will be running as he could not immediately be reached for comment.
David Hughes, who has been involved in town government for over 60 years and currently serves on the Water Commission, Park Commission and as a constable, is up for reelection in the latter two positions. He has taken out papers for both.
Fellow constable, Mark Slabodnick, has also taken out nomination papers for reelection
On the Board of Assessors, both Diana Knapp and Suzanne Szyndlar are up for reelection. So far, Knapp has taken out papers. It is not yet clear if Szyndlar intends to run again as she could not be immediately reached for comment.
Though he has not yet taken out papers, Jeffery Eldridge said he plans to seek reelection as a highway surveyor.
The remaining incumbents up for reelection include: Glenn Lawrence, a member of the Board of Health; Kim Burt and Michael King, Plumb Library trustees; Lori Souza, a member of the cemetery commission; Richard Charon, a member of the Water Commission; and Sharon Hartley, a member of the Rochester Memorial School Committee. It is not yet clear if these six individuals intend to seek reelection.
