By BOB TUROSZ
NORTH READING — The deadline for filing nomination papers came and went at 5 p.m. in the Town Clerk’s office Tuesday, with the result that there will be nine town offices up for renewal on the May 5 annual election ballot, but only eight candidates.
There is exactly one candidate for each of the seats up for election on the Board of Selectmen, School Committee, Housing Authority and the Town Moderator’s post. And there are candidates for two of the three seats up for election on the Community Planning Commission. So the spring election ballot will not have any contested races.
But worse than that, there is no candidate for the third and final seat to be filled for three years on the CPC. This opens up the possibility the CPC post could be won by a write–in candidate. If more than one write–in candidate materializes, the winner would be by the highest vote.
If that doesn’t happen, empty seat would be deemed a “failure to elect” and the vacancy would be filled for one year, through a joint appointment by the Selectmen and remaining CPC members.
For a while this week, it appeared a last minute candidate would turn up for the three–year CPC seat. Mark DeSimone, 45 Linwood Ave., took out nomination papers on Monday. But DeSimone turned in his papers a few minutes past the Tuesday 5 p.m. deadline and so cannot be listed on the ballot. DeSimone still has the option to run as a write–in candidate.
The CPC seat that’s going begging is currently held by member Dan Mills, who did not run for re–election. Town Clerk Barbara Stats said she could not remember the last time an office on the town election ballot failed to draw at least one candidate.
Everyone else unopposed
There are two open seats on the Board of Selectmen, both for three years. Incumbent Stephen O’Leary and first time candidate Kathryn Manupelli will be unopposed for election.
John Murphy will be unopposed for his 11th term as Town Moderator, a one year position.
For the School Committee, it’s another mix of a veteran and new face. Incumbent Chairman Jerry Venezia will be on the ballot for re–election, along with first time candidate Julie Koepke. Both are seeking three–year terms and both are unopposed.
Mary Prenney is seeking re–election to a five–year term on the North Reading Housing Authority and she will be unopposed.
Elsewhere on the Community Planning Commission, William Bellavance has no opposition in seeking his first three–year term and Patricia Romeo, who has served for 20 years, has no opponent as she seeks election to a one–year seat.
