Two contested races as the Rochester election takes shape

ROCHESTER — With the Rochester town election approaching, the ballot is shaping up to have two contested races for the election on Wednesday, May 28.

Three newcomers have taken out nomination papers for one Rochester School Committee position, with incumbent Sharon Hartley choosing not to run for reelection.

The current Rochester School Committee candidates are Kirstin Jimenez, Barbara Lee and Donald Sprilet.

The other contested race is for Park Commissioner with newcomer Nathaniel Reece set to run against incumbent David Hughes, who is also running for reelection to the Constable position alongside incumbent Marc Slabodnick.

Of the 16 Rochester residents who took out nomination papers, four candidates have not yet confirmed their candidacy as of writing: Water Commission incumbent Richard Charon and Planning Board incumbent Chris Silveira.

Rochester School Committee nominee Donald Sprilet and Board of Assessors nominee Marsha Kessler also have not returned their papers as of writing.

Candidates have until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23 to return their papers.

In addition to Hartley, Board of Assessors incumbent Suzanne Szyndlar and Cemetery Commission incumbent Lori Souza are also not seeking reelection.

With Souza choosing not to seek reelection, the position is now empty, with no newcomers vying for the seat.

The other uncontested races include one Select Board seat, with incumbent Brad Morse running for his eighth term, one Board of Health seat, Highway Surveyor, two Plumb Library trustees, and one seat on the Water Commission.

Candidates have until 5 p.m. on Friday, April 25 to withdraw from the election, and then the ballot will be set.