Brooklyn Lowery at Newton Patch provides an updated list of candidates that have pulled papers for Newton’s municipal election in November.
Among other things Norman N. Sirk has pulled papers to run both as a ward alderman and at large in Ward 6. (Presumably Sirk is still deciding?)
But most notably, we now have five four possible candidates (see comment below) for the two at large seats inWard 3. (Incumbent Greer-Tan Swiston is not seeking reelection while incumbent Ted Hess Mahan has pulled papers for his current seat and mayor, saying he was running for both positions because he did not want the alderman contest to not have any candidates.) Here’s the five candidates:
- Ted Hess-Mahan (I)
- Eric Hill
- James Cote
Robin Clemens- Gerry Chervinsky
Here’s a few immediate questions, will Hess-Mahan remain a candidate for both jobs? How about Chervinsky, since he has told some people that he would only run if the seat was uncontested or lacked any “progressives”?
Finally, Eric Hill, James Cote, Robin Clemens and Norman Sirk, please introduce yourselves and tell us why you’re running!
Are you sure Ms. Clemens pulled papers for AAL3? On Friday, the elections office binder indicated she had pulled papers for the ward alderman race. I am extending an open invitation to anyone who has pulled papers to contact me if they want to talk about what being AAL3 is like.
@Ted: I’m only going by the Patch report.
And when you tell them what “being AAL3 is like” be sure and explain that it requires 24/7 blogging, even at the expense of career and family vacations.
Greg, I am trying to get people to run. Why would I tell them what it is really like? 😉
So if there are two or more at-large candidates does that mean you won’t run at large? And does it matter if you deem them up suitable?
My fault on the Robin Clemens seat. You are correct that it’s the Ward Alderman seat for which she has papers. The article has been updated, and I’m sorry for the error.
Thanks Brooklyn. Corrected above. And welcome to Village 14.
I hope I like two of these people. I was starting to email people I know in Ward 3 that I think would be good to see if they’d think about running. The first one I tried is enjoying retirement and travels too much.
“Finally, Eric Hill, James Cote, Robin Clemens and Norman Sirk, please introduce yourselves and tell us why you’re running!”
I’m thinking the same thing here too.
Stop the presses. Josh and I agree on something?
Yeah, I was surprised too.
And I agree with both of you. Don’t want any stealth candidates! If they’re not availing themselves of a free forum, no campaign funds required, to tell people why they’re running, why are they running?
If any of them took papers under the impression that they would not be challenged by a very well known incumbent, it’s really the incumbent that should speak first. That being said, the incumbent doesn’t know who might step up until the process plays out.
I am always excited when I see new people pull papers.
I reached out to these candidates and haven’t gotten a hold of Robin Clemens or Norman Sirk yet, but it turns out that my kids have babysat for Eric Hill’s kids in the past and I coached Jim Cote’s youngest son in soccer. I will point them in the direction of this blog.
Hi Everyone,
Please allow me to introduce myself: I am Jim Cote and I am running for the Ward 3 At Large seat which has been so well served by Greer for the past 3 terms. My campaign is just putting everything together, but in a brief I am:
Former US Marine 1stSgt (Vietnam Vet). (3 of our children served in the Armed Forces over the last 10 years, and 2 son-in-laws are still serving)
Graduate of Worcester State undergrad, and an MBA from Mary Washington University
Married, living in West Newton with my wife Albie and we have ten (10) children from ages 14 through 28. (not all in the house)
Career: Employed by MetLife though my practice is oriented to workplace financial literacy programs. Focus currently on transitional employees.
Extra activities: On the Board of the Harvard St Neighborhood Health Center in Dorchester, On the board of Casa Nueva Vida in Jamaica Plain (Shelter), Asst Scout Leader in Troop 355, and Active in our church St Bernard’s.
My family and I are very excited to jump into the race and participate in the growth and daily activities of Newton.
More info to follow.
Thank you!!!
I pulled papers and looked into the Alderman position. I realized it is not the right time to run for this seat.
Jim Cote, that’s a lot of good info already! Thank you for running. Look forward to hearing more. Eric Hill, hope it works out another time.
Brooklyn, With regards to the Ward 1 At Large Candidates, I think you mean Allan (Jay) Ciccone Jr. (I) and Scott Lennon as opposed to Allan and Janet Sterman.