Editor’s note: This is the fifth in a series of interviews for contested Sequim elections in the Nov. 7 General Election. This week it’s Michael Rocha, who was appointed to the seat, versus challenger Sandra Kellso, running for Sequim School Board Director at-large Position 5 — a non-partisan, four-year term.
Rocha was appointed to board director Position 3 in October 2022 after director Jim Stoffer resigned. Kellso filed to run for the position in May but soon after announced she was withdrawing her candidacy. However, her name remained on ballots for the Primary Election in August; and she, along with Rocha, advanced to the General Election with the top two ballot counts. Despite not actively campaigning, Kellso’s candidate profile is listed in the Clallam County online voter’s guide.
Each candidate was asked the same questions as their opponent via email. Rocha responded to questions, while Kellso responded with the following message: “Thank you for contacting me! Unfortunately I have had to withdraw my candidacy for School Board. I look forward to serving the community in the future.”
• What’s your personal and professional background?
Rocha: I am a U.S. Navy veteran, father of six boys (two graduated from Sequim School District, three are currently enrolled in the Sequim School District, and one newborn). I currently own and operate three businesses in Sequim: Rocha Family Rentals, Rocha Family Auto Sales and Sequim Auto Clinic. I have been in the auto industry for 21 years.
• How has your career and personal life prepared you for a role on the school board?
Rocha: Running multiple business has given me the opportunity to find and correct inefficiencies in processes and budgets. In addition, having a child in elementary, middle and high school at the same time gives me a unique perspective on navigating the school system as each decision affects us personally.
• What prompted you to run?
Rocha: I felt my perspective as a parent and local business owner would translate well in service to the Sequim School District.
• What do you like about Sequim schools and what needs to change?
Rocha: I love that parents are involved in our schools. There are so many great volunteers that I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside with, while serving on the board and before.
I think we need to get serious about passing a bond in Sequim for our school campuses. I feel that trying the same way to get a bond passed needs to change. We should take a focused approach. I am working with the board with ideas to focus our efforts on getting a much-needed bond passed by the voters.
• What groups or organizations do you associate with?
Rocha: I have regularly sponsored, and volunteer coached for Sequim Junior Soccer and Sequim Youth Basketball. I am also a sponsor for the Boys & Girls Club, the Sequim Senior Graduation Party, and other smaller youth groups such as Sequim High School’s FFA trap team and Sequim Wolf Pack football.
Pickens running unopposed
Sequim School board president Eric Pickens is running unopposed for Director District 3, a four-year term. Pickens was elected to the Director Position 5 (at-large) position in 2019 and has served as the board’s president since 2021.
An elementary grade level teacher with the Port Angeles School District, Pickens is also region president for the Washington Education Association-Olympic Council, a Washington Education Association board director, a Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market board director and former president of the Port Angeles Education Association.
A Chimacum High School graduate, Pickens has a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Phoenix and he served four years in the U.S. Coast Guard.
