31 people signal interest in running for Worcester council, school board

WORCESTER - In just 10 days, 31 people already have taken out nomination papers to run for City Council or School Committee this year.

All 11 incumbents on the City Council have taken out nomination papers, as well as all six members of the School Committee who are elected by the voters.

Assistant City Clerk Niko Vangjeli told the Election Commission Thursday night there has been an early influx of people interested in running for local office.

According to the Election Commission, the 11 people who have taken out nomination papers for the six at-large City Council seats are William S. Coleman III; Gary Rosen, who currently holds the District 5 council seat; Morales Fundador; Ronald O'Clair; and incumbents Joseph M. Petty and Kathleen M. Toomey.

Also, incumbent councilors Khrystian E. King, Konstantina B. Lukes, Michael T. Gaffney and Morris A. Bergman, as well as Edward L. Moynihan, have taken out papers.

Those who have taken out nomination papers for district council seats are: District 1, Gerardo Schiano and Tony J. Economou (incumbent); District 2, Candy F. Mero-Carlson (incumbent) and Todd Wesley Williams; District 3, George J. Russell (incumbent) and Davis Asare; District 4, Michael J. Simpson, Sarai Rivera (incumbent) and Coreen Gaffney, the wife of Mr. Gaffney; District 5, Paul Franco, Doug Arbetter and Michael Germain, a former at-large city councilor.

The nine people who have taken out nomination papers for School Committee are Dante Camparetto, Jack L. Foley (incumbent), Donna M. Colorio (incumbent), John F. Monfredo (incumbent), Molly O. McCullough (incumbent), Dianna L. Biancheria (incumbent), Brian A. O'Connell (incumbent), Nicola J. D'Andrea and Ms. Gaffney.

Nomination papers became available on March 7 and they can be picked up at the Election Commission office, Room 208, City Hall, for almost another two months.

Candidates for at-large City Council seats and School Committee must obtain at least 300 certified signatures to qualify for the municipal ballot. Those running for a district council seat need 100 certified signatures.

Candidates have until 5 p.m. May 16 to submit nomination papers to the Election Commission for certification.

A citywide preliminary election will be held Sept. 12 if there are more than 12 candidates running for at-large City Council or School Committee.

To trigger a preliminary in a district race, there must be more than two candidates.

Meanwhile, the mayoral field will not be set until Sept. 19.