Selectmen's Race Looking Wide Open, As Two More Take Out Papers

The campaign for Board of Selectmen in 2013 could get very interesting, very quickly.

Already, six candidates have taken out nomination papers for two available seats and there is still plenty of time for other candidates to throw their hats in the ring.

Of course, there is no guarantee that every potential candidate will follow through by returning enough valid signatures to appear on the ballot. But with just one incumbent in the mix, it's shaping up to be a wide open race.

Taking out papers this week were former Economic Development Committee member Jim Wentworth and Richard Menard. they join fellow potential challengers Robert Rosa, Mary Ellen Fernald and Ken Miano and incumbent Todd Johnson, according to Town Clerk Denise Graffeo.

Johnson will be seeking his third three-year term on the board. Selectwoman Anne Marie Stronach announced in November she would not be seeking re-election.

Other candidates taking out nomination paper this week include incumbent School Committee Chairman Krissy Polimeno, incumbent Planning Board Chairman Robert Fowler, incumbent Hosuing Authority Board member John Deputat and incumbent Board of Library Trustees member Gene Walsh.

Candidates have until Feb. 19 to return nomination papers with at least 50 valid signatures of registered Tewskbury voters to secure a spot on the April 6 ballot.

Candidates (As of Jan. 4)

Took out Papers

Returned Papers

Board of Selectmen (2 seats for three years)

I-Todd Johnson

Yes

No

Mary Ellen Fernald

Yes

No

Robert Rosa

Yes

No

Ken Miano

Yes

No

Jim Wentworth

Yes

No

Board of Health (2 seats for three years)

I-Christine Kinnon

Yes

No

Planning Board (1 seat for five years)

I-Robert Fowler

Yes

 No

School Committee (2 seats for three years)

I-Kristen Polimeno

 Yes

 No

Library Board of Trustees (2 seats for three years)

I-Joseph Frank

Yes

No

I-Eugene Walsh

 Yes

 No

Housing Authority (1 seat for 5 years)

 I-John W. Deputat

 Yes

 No

Shawsheen Tech Regional School Committee (1 seat for three years)

I- Patricia Meuse

Yes

No

I- Incumbent