The town's political races are heating up as the Friday, Feb. 12 deadline for taking out nomination papers approaches.

There is now a five-way race for the two, three-year terms opening up on the Board of Selectmen.  The seats are currently held by Chairman Bruce D. Sauvageau of Swifts Beach Road and John P. Cronan of Charge Pond Road, both of whom have taken out papers for reelection.  Joining Sauvageau and Cronan are Frank DeFelice of Maki Way, Cara A. Winslow of Peaceful Lane, and Stephen Holmes of Onset Avenue.  So far, only Winslow has completed and submitted her papers.

Lynne Burroughs of Warr Avenue has taken out papers to challenge Rhonda Veugen of Glen Charlie Road for a three-year term on the School Committee.  The seat is currently held by Chairman Robert L. Brousseau.

Melodye Conway of Second Avenue has taken out papers to challenge Town Clerk Mary Ann Silva's bid for reelection.  The term is for three years.

Claire Smith of Old Plate Road has taken out papers for a three-year term as town moderator, a position currently held by John Donahue of Highland Road, who has also taken out papers for reelection.

Donald Hall has taken out and completed and submitted papers to run for a five-year term on the Housing Authority.

Nobody has yet taken out papers for an open three-year term as assessor or for an open three-year term on the Housing Authority.

There is still time to join the races, however.  The deadline for taking out nomination papers is 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 12.  Papers may be picked up at the Town Clerk's office.  All nomination papers must be completed and returned by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17.

Then the campaigning begins!