Possible Challenge To McCarthy's Run For Waltham Mayor

WALTHAM, MA — When the mayor announced to the Patch this month that she would be seeking reelection after all in light of what she said was a lack of candidates running, it left open the question: Is no one else going to run?

The answer: It's too soon to tell, but at least one city councilor is considering challenging her.

Every two years the entire 15-member council is up for reelection. This year, three school committee members will be on the ballot as well. And the election season usually doesn't heat up until the summer ahead of a preliminary election in September.

When the mayor announced her intention to run, there was nothing yet posted to the city website about the upcoming November election where the office of mayor, the entire City Council and several School Committee member slots will be on the ballot. But the papers one needs to get and fill out from city hall to indicate one's intention to run won't be available til May 1.

Once someone gets the paperwork from city hall, they have until June 28 to get 50 signatures from registered Waltham voters supporting the person's intention to run for office. Candidates will be announced July 12, and then they'll have a week to change their minds. If there are enough candidates running, there will be a preliminary election on Sept. 17.

The last day to register for the general vote is Oct. 16 and then Election Day is Nov. 5.

So who is likely to run? Pundits say the most likely group to eye the seat come from the at-large city councilors.

Four years ago City Councilor and State Rep. Tom Stanley unsuccessfully ran against Mayor Jeannette McCarthy and lost. This year, following McCarthy's announcement he criticized the reason she gave for changing her mind and said he'd consider running again.

"I felt compelled to make the statement because I didn't agree with the mayor's reason for running. Since I made the statement I've been getting people reaching out asking me to run. I am now seriously considering it," he said in a phone interview.

Councilors at Large Carlos Vidal, Randy LeBlanc, and Kathleen McMenimen all told Patch they planned to seek reelection as councilors but had no intention of challenging the mayor.

"This mayor is everywhere. She is the true mayor of the people, she's out and about all the time," said McMenimen.

Councilors Diane LeBlanc said had nothing to announce yet. Councilor Paul Brasco did not return request for comment.

Previously:

• Waltham Mayor Jeanette McCarthy Announces She Will Run (March 1)
• Stanley Statement on McCarthy Announcement (March 1)
• Waltham Elections 2017 Results: Incumbents Didn't Sweep It All