SAUGUS — With nomination papers now available from the town clerk’s office, a number of residents have taken the first step to run for elected office this fall ahead of what could be a contentious election season.
Papers have been available since July 24, and so far five residents — and two incumbents — have secured nomination papers. Both School Committee member Dennis Gould and Selectman Michael Serino have taken out papers to seek additional two-year terms on those boards, while a number of newcomers have also thrown their hats in the ring.
Sandro Pansini Souza pulled papers to run for the Board of Selectmen, Nicholas V. Melanchook pulled papers to run for the Housing Authority, and Stacey Herman-Dorent pulled papers to run for one of the five Precinct 1 Town Meeting member seats.
Town Clerk Ellen Schena said 20 of the 50 incumbent Town Meeting members have returned their renewal letters.
Candidates have until Sept. 15 at 5 p.m. to obtain nomination papers, and Sept. 19 at 5 p.m. to submit papers to the clerk’s office. With six weeks to go, it’s likely the field for many contests will grow exponentially.
All five posts on both the Board of Selectmen and School Committee are up for grabs this fall, and voters could usher in significant change should the memberships of those boards be shaken up.
Candidates running for the Board of Selectmen, School Committee, and Housing Authority are required to obtain 50 certified signatures to appear on the ballot. Residents running to become Town Meeting members need to obtain 10 certified signatures from residents in their precinct.
Residents may also be given the opportunity to elect a nine-member Charter Commission, which would be given 18 to 24 months to review the town charter and suggest changes. Board of Selectmen Chairman Anthony Cogliano, who told The Item he intends to seek reelection, submitted more than 4,200 signatures for verification to get the commission on the ballot this fall.
If those signatures are verified by the Board of Registrars, at least nine residents will seek posts on the Charter Commission.
Any objections or withdrawals must be submitted to the clerk’s office by 5 p.m. on Oct. 5, and the drawing of ballot positions will be held at 5:30 p.m. the same day.
Residents have until Oct. 28 to register to vote, and the election will be held on Nov. 7.
Candidates must submit Office of Campaign Finance reports by Oct. 30, eight days prior to the election; and again on Dec. 7, 30 days following the election.
