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| By Michelle Kealey Staff Writer WEST SPRINGFIELD Mayor Edward Gibson is running for re-election in a race that is much different than the one two years ago. Nomination papers were due back to the City Clerk's Office on Aug. 9 by 5 p.m. and Gibson, along with some incumbent members of the City Council are running unopposed. During the 2003 election, Gibson, the city's first mayor, faced three challengers and a preliminary election was needed. He is running for a third term. There are not enough candidates for any of the city positions to hold preliminary election this time around. Current City Council President Edward Sullivan is not running for re-election, however the five other incumbent councilors at-large are looking to serve for another two years. The incumbent Councilors running for re-election include Kathleen Bourque, George Kelly, Paul Buodo and Gerard Matthews. The incumbents will face residents Ralph Shapiro and Robert Vogel, Sr. in the race for the at-large positions. Among the four District City Council positions, three candidates are running unopposed. In District 1, incumbent Councilor Angus Rushlow is the only candidate running for re-election. District 2 City Councilor Cynthia Romaniak is also running unopposed for her position. Current District 4 City Councilor James Welch, who also serves as a state representative, is not running for re-election on the City Council. Newcomer John Sweeney is the only candidate running for the Ward 4 position. In District 3, incumbent Councilor Michael Finn is being challenged for his seat by newcomer Robert Mancini. Seven candidates are running for the six seats on the School Committee. The seventh seat on the Committee is filled by the mayor, who serves as chair. All six incumbent School Committee Members are running for re-election. The members are Nancy Farrell, Joseph Foresi, Kathleen Alevras, Patricia Garbacik, Peter Andrew and Daniel Sullivan. Newcomer Vernon Coleman is also looking to win a seat on the School Committee this November. Each of the city's elected positions are two-year terms that begin on the first business day in Jan. 2006. The general election will take place Nov. 8. Editor's Note: Any candidate who would like to submit a political statement can do so by emailing it to mkealey@reminderpublications. com. or by faxing it to (413) 592-5286. Reminder Publications will do its best to publish it as space is available. |