Rochester Selectman Brad Morse is committed to preserving the rural character of the town and promoting commercial development, while also maintaining all staff and services -- even in tough economic times.

On April 10, voters will decide the town’s only contested race for a seat on the Board of Selectmen. Morse, who is seeking his fourth term, is being challenged by former Selectman Michael Murphy.

“I want to continue helping the town and the townspeople,” Morse said. “I want to keep the town going while being fiscally responsible.”

A Rochester resident for the last 21 years, Morse has raised his two sons in the town and is a fifth generation cranberry grower.

Before he was elected to the Board of Selectmen, Morse served on the town’s Planning Board for 11 years.

After nine years as a selectman, Morse said he is proudest of how he and other town officials have balanced the budget every year.

“At one point, we were potentially in financial trouble due to the economy.” Morse said. “With our conservative approach, we were able to maintain all staff and services.”

Additionally, Morse said he was pleased with the renovations of Rochester Memorial School that were completed last year, $920,000 under budget.

“We have an incredible and dedicated staff of employees in the town,” Morse said.

Of his fellow Selectmen Richard Nunes and Naida Parker, Morse said, “The three of us work well together. We’re always able to reach a consensus on all of the issues. We look at things differently, but it’s very rare that the three of us don’t agree on something in the end.”

If re-elected, Morse said he wants to focus on working with officials to provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance services in the town. The Selectmen will present plans at Town Meeting, and Morse said he hopes to have the service up and running next year.

“It’s always been on my mind as something we needed to do,” Morse said.

Morse said he plans to serve on the Board of Selectmen as long as the townspeople think he is fit for the job.

“I’m not leaving Rochester,” Morse said. “I like being involved in town government. I do my best to commit as much time as possible to the town in my obligations as a Selectman.”

For more on the election, click here.