Lifelong Rochester resident Paul Callaghan tosses hat into mayoral ring

Paul Callaghan (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Lifelong Rochester resident and decorated law enforcement officer Paul Callaghan filed his candidacy for Mayor of Rochester today. He is the second city resident to toss his hat into the mayoral ring.

Callaghan served on the Rochester Police Department for 25 years and currently serves as prosecutor and lieutenant in the Strafford County Sheriff Department. He also serves as a member of the Strafford County Superior Court Drug Court Team. Previously, Callaghan has served on and chaired numerous community committees in Rochester.

After filing for office, Callaghan released the following statement:

"I have lived my entire life in Rochester. My wife and I have raised three wonderful children in this community. I have served this city as a police officer for 25 years, held leadership roles on many boards and committees, and I have coached youth sports."

Callaghan said he wanted to serve as mayor for two reasons: "for love of our community and to help keep Rochester a great place to live, work, and raise a family."

"I have viewed my service over these past 30 plus years as a way to help us move forward and as my way of giving back to our community that has given me so much," he said.

He said Rochester has improved from economic development, downtown redevelopment, and maintaining a strong fiscal position.

"But together, there is more that we can accomplish," he added. "As mayor, I will promote growth through economic development, which is key to a strong, vibrant, and financially sound community. I will ensure that Rochester continues to provide high quality services such as police, fire, and public works. I will fight to maintain Rochester's strong fiscal position, keeping a tight lid on taxes, and ensuring that our tax dollars are spent wisely.

"I will bring a consistent, open, forthright, and commonsense approach as Mayor. I will only answer to you, the citizens of Rochester and believe me when I say, I will always put the interests of Rochester first.

"I want to say to all the residents of Rochester, after serving our community for many years, it would be one of the greatest honors of my life to continue to serve you, the people of Rochester, as your Mayor."

Callaghan lost his bid for Strafford County Sheriff to Mark Brave last November.

Rochester residents voted overwhelmingly for Callaghan over Brave, 9,051-6,862, while Dover and Durham voted heavily for Brave putting him over the top.

Callaghan joins City Councilor Palana Hunt-Hawkins in the race for mayor. Hunt-Hawkins declared her candidacy last month.