Candidates for Park and Rec & Memorial Park speak

By Kathryn Eident
Globe Correspondent

Of the 12 races for town-wide offices, only three are contested. In addition to the Board of Selectmen race, there are three candidates running for two open seats in the Park and Recreation Commission and two men vying for one spot as Veteran Trustee of Memorial Park. These candidates also had a chance to speak at the candidates’ forum Monday night.

While the contenders for the Veteran Trustee of Memorial Park, incumbent Ron Sockol and newcomer Richard Moses, agree that the park is nearly perfect, Moses said his enthusiasm will help residents better enjoy the park.

“The field needs someone who will spend time and effort; someone who will give people who come to the field proper guidance,” he said. “With my youthful energy and exuberance, I could be there quite often.”

Sockol said his years of commitment to enhancing the park demonstrate his ability to continue serving as a trustee.

“I’ve put a lot of time and effort into the park and its programs,” he said. “I put my heart and soul into the park...it’s an outlet for me to use for whatever talents I have.”

Neither candidate saw a problem with the newly laid artificial turf on the field itself, and both candidates vowed to focus on better scheduling and dealing with issues like geese poop on the fields.

The right candidates for the two seats on the Park and Recreation Commission need to have a vision for the future, according to the three men vying for the spots. All of the candidates said they would work on developing more trails, enhancing programs and activities and maintaining the town’s athletic fields.

“A major challenge will be the financial implications of some of the improvements we need to make,” Brian Nadler, the incumbent, said. “We need to look at how projects fit into the overall town budget and operational expenses.”

For newcomer Sam Bass Warner, it’s time the commission focuses on what he believes are two underserved groups: bicyclists and senior citizens.

“We need more opportunities for Needhamites to get out and walk around,” he said. “Bicyclists need a safe street plan. We need a plan for the future.”

Thomas Jacob said his years in youth sports will benefit the commission as the town copes with growing demand for fields and open space issues.

“There are many large projects on the horizon,” he said. “Listening to what the community needs and putting competing needs on the table to hopefully satisfy everybody will be the biggest challenge.”

All of the candidates agreed that while there is a lot of work to be done, it is important for the Park and Recreation Commission to work with other town departments and boards to ensure residents get what they need.

“Change doesn’t happen overnight,” Nadler said. “We need to work together better with the School Committee, Finance Committee and the Board of Selectman to work as one.”

The Needham Channel will re-broadcast the forum throughout the week of April 6th for those who missed it.

Election Day is Tuesday, April 14th. For a complete list of all the races, click here.