About Our Committee
The Republican voice of Rochester — a small town with deep roots, working for the families, farms and taxpayers who keep it that way.
Who We Are
We are the Rochester Republican Town Committee — the official, elected body of the Republican Party in the Town of Rochester. Our members come from every corner of town — Rochester Center, East Rochester, North Rochester and the farms and back roads in between — united in a shared commitment to the Constitution and to electing Republican candidates for local, county, state and national office.
In our own words: “The mission of the Rochester Republican Town Committee is to champion the principles of the Republican Party by actively supporting qualified local candidates and fostering a well-informed and involved community. We are committed to maintaining the character of our small town through leadership, exemplary service, and engaging all residents on topics vital to Rochester’s future.” You can also find the committee at rochestermartc.org.
The Mother Town of the Tri-Town
Settlers arrived in 1679 on land the Wampanoag called Sippican, and on June 4, 1686 the settlement was incorporated as Rochester, named for the English city many of its families came from. It is one of the oldest towns in the Commonwealth. Old Rochester once ran all the way to the sea: part of it went to Wareham in 1739, Marion was set off in 1852 and Rochester in 1857, leaving Rochester an inland town of farms, ponds and woodland — and the “Old Rochester” that still names the Tri-Town’s regional school.
Rochester has kept its character on purpose. It is still mostly rural and residential, it passed a Right-to-Farm bylaw, and it still governs itself by open town meeting — neighbors deciding the town’s business face to face, as they have for more than three centuries. We carry that inheritance forward: the belief that power belongs to the people, not the government.
Our Mission & Vision
The mission of the Rochester Republican Town Committee is to support the work of the Republican Party, at all levels of government, and to promote the principles of freedom, equality, and justice as intended by the founders of the Constitution of the United States. In doing so, we advocate for:
- The maintenance of our role as leader of the free world and a strong sense of pride in our country and our heritage;
- One government, “of, by, and for the people,” that minimizes its intervention in the lives of its citizens by promoting individual responsibility, initiative, volunteerism, and entrepreneurship, together with corporate responsibility;
- Recognition of the need for good character and integrity, and the strengthening and defense of the institution of family.
Our vision is to be seen as protectors and advocates of freedom, equality, and justice; allies to our citizenry who enhance the potential and dignity of each individual; defenders of our country and our heritage; and advocates of the family and of sound character and integrity — the party that invites the community to discuss issues, share ideas, express concerns, and arrive at solutions.
Core Beliefs — The Republican Oath
I believe that the proper function of government is to do for the people those things that have to be done but cannot be done, or cannot be done as well, by individuals — and that the most effective government is government closest to the people.
I believe that good government is based on the individual, and that each person’s ability, dignity, freedom, and responsibility must be honored and recognized.
I believe that free enterprise and the encouragement of individual initiative and incentive have given this nation an economic system second to none.
I believe that sound money policy should be our goal.
I believe in equal rights, equal justice, and equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, creed, age, sex, national origin, or disability.
I believe we must retain those principles worth retaining, yet always be receptive to new ideas with an outlook broad enough to accommodate thoughtful change and varying points of view.
I believe that Americans value and should preserve their feeling of national strength and pride, and, at the same time, share with people everywhere a desire for peace, freedom, and the extension of human rights.
Finally, I believe that the Republican Party is the best vehicle for translating these ideals into positive and successful principles of government.
What We Do
We’re not a brochure — we’re an active committee. Among the things we do:
- Provide financial support and volunteer hours to Republican candidates at the national, state, county, and local levels;
- Hold candidate nights, sign standouts, and open community discussions, and get our message in front of Rochester voters;
- Hold monthly committee meetings — the second Monday of every month — that are open to every Republican and Independent in town;
- Recruit and support Rochester residents willing to serve — on the ballot and on town boards;
- Work alongside the other committees in the Massachusetts RTC network so our towns speak with one voice;
- Keep our neighbors informed about what is happening in Town government — see Town Meetings.
Committee Leadership
The committee is led by an elected slate of volunteers who give their time to keep Rochester’s Republican organization strong. The committee is registered with the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance as the Rochester Republican Town Committee (OCPF CPF ID 76472), organized in 2020.
The rest of the committee’s officers will be published here shortly. In the meantime, the fastest way to reach the committee is our contact form — it goes straight to us.
Our Meetings
The committee meets on the second Monday of every month at 6:30 PM at the Ponderosa Sportsman’s Club, 242 Robinson Road, Acushnet, just over the town line. Meetings are open to the public, and guests are welcome — check the events calendar for the next date, or drop us a line. All Republicans and Independents are welcome.
Get Involved
Whether you can give an hour a month or an evening a week, there is a place for you here. Find out how to join, or reach out to the committee directly.