By BOB TUROSZ

NORTH READING — Next Tuesday, March 17, is the deadline for returning nomination papers to the Town Clerk’s office and as of press time this week there is one candidate for each of the nine offices to be renewed on the May 5 annual town election ballot, with the exception of one three–year seat on the Community Planning Commission.

That CPC seat is held by incumbent member Dan Mills, who had not taken out papers or indicated his plans for re–election as of the newspaper’s deadline this week.

Each of the other eight town offices on the ballot has exactly one candidate for each opening, which means although there may be no ballot races on Election Day, at least none of the seats will go begging.

Julie Koepke of Elvira Rd. became the first candidate to return nomination papers. She is seeking an open three–year seat on the School Committee. Also running for re–election to the school board is incumbent Chairman Jerry Venezia.

Incumbent Stephen O’Leary and political newcomer Kathryn Manupelli are the candidates for two seats up for renewal on the Board of Selectmen. Incumbent Selectman Joe Foti announced he will not be a candidate for a second term.

John Murphy is running for his 11th one–year term for Moderator. William Bellavance is seeking a three-year seat on the CPC. Veteran Planner Patricia Romeo has taken out papers to run for the CPC one–year seat.

For Housing Authority, Mary S. Prenney, the town’s Elder Services Director, has taken out papers to run for the five–year term.

To run for an office on the May 5 ballot, candidates must file signatures from at least 50 registered voters in the Town Clerk’s office by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17. It’s strongly recommended candidates obtain more than 50 signatures in case there are some duplications or some signatures can’t be certified.