There are four contested races on the ballot for Rockland’s Annual Town Election, which will take place Saturday. This includes School Committee, Park Commissioner, Board of Health, and Selectmen.
WATD interviewed the four candidates for Selectmen.
Lori Childs is a Girl Scout leader, and has lived in town since 2005. She’s served on the Finance Committee the past 3 years. After they lost their home to a fire in 2007, she says they were touched by the generosity of residents, and wants to give back.
John Ellard has been involved in the community for 15 years, served on the Finance Committee for five years, with a stint as the chairman. He feels the town needs to address infrastructure needs, and finding a way to complete those, while being fiscally responsible.
Donna Shortall served as the Town Clerk for five years before she retired in December of 2020. She grew up in town and raised her family in Rockland. She says the town has made strides in recent years, and now it’s about preparing for the future.
Each of the candidates were asked about their thoughts on water and sewer in town.
Shortall feels more information is needed for the best course of action for the plant. With 40B projects on the horizon, she feels a practical, careful approach is needed.
Ellard feels the town needs to address infrastructure needs, as they have been neglected.
Childs says she spoke with Joe LaPointe, the Abington Superintendent of the Joint Water Works. The towns are installing filters to address PFAS in the water.
For Board of Health, Michelle Kennedy and Rita (Margaret) Roche are running for one open seat.
There are two open seats for the School Committee — the field includes Michael Quinn and incumbents Emily Davidson and Melissa Mauro-Small.
For Park Commissioner, there is one open seat with incumbent Richard Furlong facing a challenge from Brian Martin.
The Rockland election takes place Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
