ROCHESTER — Marion town administrator to Rochester town clerk?

Selectmen appointed former Marion Town Administrator Paul Dawson as Town Clerk in place of Naida Parker, who will retire Feb. 7.

With the 2020 Federal Census and presidential election on the horizon, Parker said that this February “just seems like a good time to let someone else come in” as Rochester’s Town Clerk.

Dawson had submitted a letter of intent to the board to serve as clerk until the April 8 election, and appeared at its Feb. 3 meeting. He explained that although he has most recently a town administrator, a town clerk role would be returning to his roots, as he served as town clerk in Winchester and Stoughton early in his municipal career.

It’s not just who is in the position, but also the role itself that may be changing this spring, as Selectmen plan to ask Town Meeting whether it will make the position an appointed one. 

Dawson explained that he had been certified as town clerk in the past, but let that certification lapse because he was busy as town administrator.

Because he is retired, he is limited in the number of hours he can work, and would initially keep the same hours as Parker currently does.

However, he said that the eventual goal would be to have a Town Clerk or staff member available at all hours that Town Hall is open. It is unclear at this time how it would happen.

Selectmen also voted on a Citation of Recognition for Parker as she leaves the role after 35 years.