ROCHESTER — Two candidates are vying for one three-year term on the Rochester Park Commission in the upcoming election on Wednesday, May 28.

Incumbent David Hughes has nine years of experience serving on the commission, while newcomer Nate Reece intends to bring a fresh perspective to the position if elected.

Reece works as an engineer at a commercial property insurance company, and has run his own part-time handyman business, which he says gave him “hands-on experience in building construction, utilities, landscaping and forestry.”

He achieved a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a master of science in technology management from UMass Dartmouth.

“My educational and professional background has equipped me with the analytical thinking, organization, and project management skills necessary to make sound, informed decisions,” said Reece.

Hughes is currently “semi-retired.” In addition to his service on the commission, he works as an instructor of stationary engineering at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School where he graduated with a license in engineering. 

“I’m hard working. I do my job, I come in, I come under budget every time,” said Hughes of his work on the commission.

If elected to another term, Hughes intends to prioritize “making sure the children all have a safe place to play sports or [play on] playgrounds.”

“All in all, [I want] to make it a great place for everybody,” he said of the Rochester parks.

Reece said he wants to implement a multi-year plan for park development and maintenance if elected, in addition to strengthening community engagement and expanding recreation opportunities related to parks in town.

“This isn’t about politics for me — it’s about giving back,” he said.

Hughes emphasized that the residents of Rochester are what make the parks special, stating that he appreciates that the community is “very polite” and “very family oriented.”

“That makes it easy to work,” he said.

Reece said that his dedication to Rochester parks comes from his experience as a resident.

“As a father of young children, a Cub Scout leader, and a youth sports coach, I use Rochester’s parks regularly and hear firsthand from other parents about what’s working and what could be improved,” he said.

Hughes has enjoyed giving back to the community with his work on the commission. 

“I’ve done my job. I’ve been diligent at it all the time. It’s been a good ride for me, and I really enjoy it. To me, it’s like a hobby,” he said.