Published in the February 18, 2016 edition

By BOB TUROSZ

NORTH READING – The North Reading election cycle is in a lull.

The annual town election will be held on May 3 and so far six candidates have stepped forward to claim nomination papers to have their names on the ballot. That includes three for School Committee, which would give the school board its first contested race in years.

Developments were happening at a brisk pace in January, soon after papers became available in the town clerk’s office. But since Laina Simone pulled nomination papers for School Committee on Jan. 22, interest in the election has been like last weekend’s weather – in the deep freeze.

To recapitulate: A flood of incumbents pulled nomination papers for re-election on Jan. 19, the first day they became available:

Robert Mauceri (the current board chairman) and Michael Prisco claimed papers to serve additional three year terms on the Board of Selectmen.

Mel Webster and Janene Imbriano (the current School Committee chairman) also pulled papers to serve an additional three years.

Incumbent Town Moderator John Murphy declared for an additional one year term on Jan. 20, followed by Simone on Jan. 22.

None of the declared candidates have returned papers yet, which isn’t a problem since the deadline is Tuesday, March 15 at 5 p.m.

As of deadline this week there are no candidates for two seats on the Community Planning Commission that are up for renewal, with incumbents Warren Pearce and Patricia Romeo facing reelection.

There are no seats on the North Reading Housing Authority up for renewal in this election cycle.

To have one’s name on the May 3 ballot, a candidate must obtain nomination papers from the town clerk’s office and return them with the signatures of at least 50 registered voters by 5 p.m. on March 15. It is strongly suggested candidates collect and submit more than the required minimum of 50 signatures; 75 is a more reasonable number – because of the possibility some signatures will be duplicates, ineligible or not certifiable.

The last day to register to vote in the town election is Wednesday, April 13 at 8 p.m.