Editor’s note: Since the Covid-19 outbreak in 2020 interrupted the South Coast League of Women Voters’ annual effort to host candidates’ nights, The Wanderer has been offering a platform for candidates in contested races for elected offices in the tri-towns. This year, candidates were invited to submit up to 250 words in one paragraph. Candidates in each race are listed in alphabetical order. Statements from candidates in the Marion and Mattapoisett town elections appeared in the May 15 issue of The Wanderer. Statements from Rochester candidates appear below. The Rochester Town Election will be held on Wednesday, May 28, from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm at the Senior Center/Council on Aging at 67 Dexter Lane.
Rochester School Committee
Sharon Hartley is retiring from school committee, and two candidates are on the ballot for her expiring seat on a three-year term.
Kirstin Jimenez
Born and raised in Rochester, I bring a lifetime of connection to our community as a Rochester Memorial School graduate, the parent of a current RMS student, and the RMS PTO president. My deep and unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing RMS motivated me to run for a seat on the RMS School Committee to ensure the school can obtain the resources and curricular materials needed to keep up with evolving state requirements, best practices in education, and our changing world. As RMS PTO president for the past six years, I’ve already made many positive impacts at Rochester Memorial School. I have grown and expanded fundraising efforts to support school programs such as the Book Vending Machine initiative to promote literacy, and successfully brought back school assemblies to enrich student experiences and fund transportation for field trips. I believe strongly that while our students must always remain our ultimate focus, supporting our teachers is essential to providing the best possible education. Teachers who are well-resourced, respected, and not overwhelmed by stress can give their full attention and creativity to our children, creating a positive classroom experience. As an RMS School Committee member, my experience in fundraising and resource allocation will be crucial in navigating these financial constraints. I would be honored to serve Rochester’s students, teachers, and families on the School Committee, and I ask for your vote on May 28.
Barbara Lee
My name is Barbara Lee. I am a mother of two children in the Rochester school system, and we are proud to call Rochester our home for nearly four years. When given the opportunity to move, I chose Rochester for the country living, the close community, but most importantly for the stellar reputation of the school system. Over the past four years, I’ve grown to know many of the parents and residents of the town through volunteering my time between the local Cub Scouts, PTO events, and the RMS School Council. I also work full time with an investment company for the last 20 years. As an assistant client service manager, I’m responsible for leading a list of clients’ pension operations, reporting, as well as handling all escalations that arise. I have over 25 years of customer service experience with the majority being in financial operations. With my financial background, I intend to pay special attention to the budgets and expenses, keeping the residents in mind. If I am fortunate enough to be elected, I will serve the town of Rochester by being a representative who listens and shares the community’s voice on school issues and financial obligations. I feel that the RMS School Committee has collaborated well this past year by avoiding injecting political ideologies or personal agendas into their work. If elected, I would be fully committed to this as well. I respectfully ask for your support and would appreciate your vote on May 28th.
Rochester Park Commission
Two candidates, incumbent David Hughes and challenger Nate Reece, are on the ballot for one, three-year term.
David Hughes
I have been a full-time Rochester resident since 1972, and before that, I spent summers here at my family’s cottage on Snows Pond. My wife and I raised our four children in this town and appreciate all the town had to offer. I take great pride in this town and want to do my part to keep Rochester beautiful by keeping our parks a beautiful and safe place for all residents. I’ve been on the Park Commission for nine years, and we have always operated within our town-approved budget. The Dexter Lane fields are used by Tri-Town Soccer, lacrosse, women’s softball, Old Rochester Youth Baseball and Old Colony and Old Rochester baseball practices. Dexter Lane also provides space for basketball, pickleball, a skate park, picnic tables, playground and walking trails. During my existing term as chairman for the board, we upgraded the basketball court with new backboards and nets. Added two pickleball courts along with new fencing. A new shelter was installed to cover the existing picnic tables. New bleachers were installed at Gifford Park, thanks to Old Rochester Youth Baseball’s donation. Thanks to a donation from Tri-Town for Protecting Children and the Town of Rochester’s matching funds from ARPA, we have begun construction of a new playground at Gifford Park. I also have to thank the Rochester Highway Department for their hard work on this project and hopefully more to come. I monitor the supplies for the park, enlist part-time help during the summer months and ensure that all bills are paid in a timely manner. I am semi-retired and do not work during the summer, which gives me more time to maintain the parks.
Nate Reece
My name is Nate Reece and I’m running for the Rochester Parks Commission because I believe our parks are vital to the health, happiness, and unity of our community. I grew up just over the border in Middleboro and have lived in Rochester for the past six years with my wife and young children. As a father, Cub Scout leader, and youth sports coach, I use our parks regularly and hear from families about what’s working – and what could be better. Professionally, I’m a mechanical engineer with over a decade of experience managing complex projects in the energy and insurance industries. I also hold a Master’s in Technology Management from UMass Dartmouth. My background equips me with the skills to plan, prioritize, and execute improvements efficiently and transparently. If elected, I’ll focus on three key goals: increasing resident engagement with park decisions; developing a multi-year parks plan; and expanding recreational opportunities – especially by exploring the creation of a Recreation Department and collaborating with neighboring towns to offer complementary programming. I bring fresh energy, practical experience, and a deep commitment to making our parks places where the community can come together. It’s time for a fresh voice and a forward-thinking approach. I’d be honored to earn your vote. Thank you.