Rochester Needs
Third Selectman

Several months back I announced I would not run for re-election to the Rochester Selectboard, having served for two terms, six years. No Rochester citizen has announced his or her candidacy for the post, for whatever reason.

It could be that with everyone scrambling to make a living and contribute to family life, there’s no time for this type of volunteerism. That’s surely an issue. However, I think more important is the fact that the job has become more time-consuming and complex and many don’t want to get involved.

The cost of running Rochester is increasing. We are just completing a capital plan which will delineate future major costs, and they are daunting. The Town needs a Board that can anticipate the needs, provide for them with taxes or grants and administer many new projects and programs.

Possibly it is time to consider a Town Administrator in addition to the Selectboard. Town Meeting should discuss this subject.

Meantime we need a candidate. McIntyre and Masterton are competent, energetic and experienced but they need a good third hand.

Please seriously consider proposing a candidate for this post. Hopefully it will be someone with sound business and financial skills, planning experience, an interest in government and the ability to work with a team.

This is a critical position in a system that constitutes a last bastion of real democracy in this country. The Town Meeting/Selectboard form of government is truly a representative form of government and needs careful preservation. Let’s treat it appropriately.

Taking "potluck" at Town Meeting is liable to result in an unqualified, less than serious candidate, which is not what Rochester citizens deserve.

Charlie Biederman

Rochester