Contested races in town election
As the deadline for nominations has come and gone, there are a number of contested races for town government positions this April.
Selectmen Judith Whiteside and Peter Teitelbaum are pursuing re-election to their three-year terms while Wareham resident Michael Frates will also be running for one of their seats.
"I believe we've accomplished a lot so far and I've had a lot of fun," Whiteside said. "I have banking experience, I've worked in schools for 12 years and I've served on the board of many non-profits," she added.
Teitelbaum said the board has accomplished some good things but there is a lot of work left to be done. "We've developed a better relationship with the finance committee, the schools and other committees and in order to continue that I'm asking the voters for three more years," he said.
Frates could not immediately be reached for comment.
Two three-year terms are available on the School Committee. Committee member Clifford Sylvia will seek re-election while Karl Baptiste and Melvin Lazarus will challenge for his seat and the open position left by exiting committee member Ken Fontes.
Sylvia announced his bid for re-election at the Jan. 8 School Committee meeting.
“I just enjoy the work,” he said. “We don’t always agree, but at least we disagree agreeably most of the time.”
Former school resource officer Karl Baptiste could not be reached for comment.
Former dean of students and history teacher Melvin Lazarus said, "I want to contribute now that I'm retired and I can contribute based on my background."
Three individuals are running for two spots on the board of assessors. Incumbent James McCahill, Friends of Wareham Library President Priscilla Porter and Capital Planning Committee Chairman James Giberti are all vying for two three-year positions.
The only contested race for the Housing Authority is between Agawam Village resident Henry Fernandes and former Finance Committee Chair Donna Bronk for the vacant three-year term on the five member board.
The last day to register to vote in the April 1 election is March 12.