6 return papers for Wareham election so far, including 1 more Selectman candidate

Feb 1, 2018

Nomination papers for the town’s April 3 election continue to trickle in before the Feb. 13 deadline, with six of the 17 people who have pulled papers returning them as of Feb. 1, including Selectman candidate Mary Bruce.

The last day to take out nomination papers is Feb. 9. Papers are available in the Town Clerk’s office. Papers must be returned with the signatures of 50 registered voters.

Bruce, a Wareham native and president of the garden club, returned her papers on Jan. 24. She is seeking the seat formerly held by Selectman Judith Whiteside, who abruptly resigned in January for unspecified personal reasons. Marc Bianco and Faith Berry are seeking the same seat.

If elected, Bruce said she wanted to focus on bringing business to town.

“Economic growth is one of the biggest issues facing town right now,” she said.

Bruce has also served on the Wareham Council on Aging, is a currently a member of the Beach and Tourism Committee and is a member of Don’t Trash Wareham, which is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to beautifying the town.

Incumbent Selectman Alan Slavin has returned his papers. He is running unopposed for his seat.

The race for School Committee so far features five people seeking two open seats, both for three-year terms.

Newcomers Rebekah Pratt and Rebecca Kennen have pulled papers alongside incumbents Geoff Swett and current Chair Judy Caporiccio. Michael Flaherty, who served on the committee previously, has also pulled and returned his nomination papers.

Other candidates who have returned papers include: Wareham Housing Authority candidate Bob Powilatis; Deputy Moderator candidate Joseph Ashley and non-user Sewer Commissioner candidate Don Jepson.

John Donahue, an incumbent candidate for assessor, has also pulled papers for his seat.

For a link to Wareham Week’s ongoing coverage of the town election, click here.