MARION — Three candidates are running for two three-year terms on the Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission in the upcoming  Friday, May 16 election.

Open Space Acquisition Commission members John Rockwell and Adele Sands are running to secure another term, while newcomer Shaun Walsh is looking to bring his expertise from the Conservation Commission to the position.

Rockwell was a member of the Conservation Commission from 1984 through 1992 and has served on the Open Space Acquisition Commission since 2003. He worked as a Wetland Specialist at the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program for over 20 years and worked  as an environmental planner for various municipal agencies and environmental non-government agencies.

“I’ve written $1.3 million worth of grants to buy open space in town or to do open space improvements,” he said.

Sands has worked an educator for 35 years, including five years as Superintendent of Bristol County Agricultural School. In this role, she frequently communicated with local and federal environmental agencies to organize endangered species preservation projects for students.

“It’s a school that’s focused on conservation and environmental issues and sustainability so that was just the dream,” said Sands.

Walsh has been a member of the Conservation Commission for nine years and previously served on the Fall River Conservation Commission for three years. He has worked with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for almost 30 years, currently serving as Chief Regional Counsel.

As an environmental lawyer, Walsh feels his experience will benefit him on the Commission.

Sands intends to develop "achievable goals” for community resources and conservation efforts related to the Commission.

“I want to be a thoughtful participant in these conversations and to look at it from a new perspective,” she said. Her goal is to preserve open spaces in Marion for future generations to enjoy.

Rockwell and Walsh said the unfinished Point Street Bike Paths project should be a top priority.

“Getting a project like that done and done properly is one of the things that I hope that I can work on as a member of the commission,” said Walsh.

Walsh expressed disappointment in the construction project, stating that the paths should’ve been built all-at-once rather than in phases.

Rockwell said he intends to finally finish the project if elected to another term, stating that the plans have been discussed for almost two decades.

If elected to another term, Rockwell plans to use grant money to develop open space projects that the residents are interested in.

“I believe you should get as much input from the voters and the citizens of town as possible,” he said. He aims to continue sending surveys to residents in order to best gauge the interests of the community while considering the financial feasibility of potential projects.

Walsh emphasized the importance of improving relationships with the Department of Public Works and external partners like the Sippican Lands Trust and the Buzzards Bay Coalition to maintain open spaces in Marion.

Sands looks to prioritize preserving the natural landscape of Marion.

“We live in a disposable world, and to be conscious about preserving things for our children, for our grandchildren, it’s essential to me,” said Sands.