By BOB TUROSZ
NORTH READING — Despite the fact that the temperatures aren’t supposed to crawl out of the teens today, (Thursday), it’s not too early to start thinking about spring, and specifically the May annual election.
That’s because nomination papers for the May 5 annual town election will be available in the Town Clerk’s office in town hall beginning Tuesday, Jan. 20.
There are nine elective offices up for renewal in 2015, some for one year, others for three years and one seat for five years. In an unusual development, three of the slots to be filled on the May ballot are for the Community Planning Commission.
To qualify for the ballot, candidates must return their nomination papers with at least 50 certified signatures in the Town Clerk’s office by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17. To avoid disappointment, it’s highly advisable to obtain more than the minimum number of signatures since some may be illegible, ineligible or duplicates.
The list of elective officers on the ballot for 2015 are:
• Two seats on the Board of Selectmen, currently held by Joe Foti and Stephen O’Leary. Both are three year terms.
• The Town Moderator’s post, a one year term held by John Murphy.
• Two seats on the School Committee, currently held by Karen Errichetti and Gerald Venezia. Both are three year terms.
The three seats on the CPC break down this way:
• Two seats currently held by Dan Mills and Patricia Romeo. Both are for three year terms.
• A one year unexpired term currently held by William Bellavance. This represents the unexpired portion of the CPC term Neal Rooney was elected to in 2013. Rooney resigned recently and Bellavance was appointed to fill his term through May 2015. Bellavance has already said he will be a candidate in May to fill the seat through 2016.
• One five year term on the North Reading Housing Authority, currently held by Mary Prenney.
The last day to register to vote in the town election is Wednesday, April 15, at 8 p.m.
