Marblehead's Election Heats Up: Which Shocking Candidate Just Dropped Out at the Last Minute?

As the clock struck 5 p.m. today, Marblehead officially closed the door on candidate nominations for the upcoming June 9 election. With the deadline now past, residents can prepare for a ballot that features a mix of incumbents and new challengers across various local positions.

Here’s a detailed overview of who will be vying for seats in the town’s governance:

Select Board (two seats): Incumbent Erin Noonan is seeking reelection, accompanied by Rossana Ferrante, the current chair of the Recreation and Parks Commission. Notably, incumbent Alexa Singer has opted not to run for reelection, opening the door for new leadership.

School Committee (two seats): The race includes incumbent Melissa Clucas, who aims to retain her seat, alongside challengers Ann Marie Jordan and Sarah Fox, both of whom are eager to make their mark on the education landscape in Marblehead.

Board of Health (three seats): Incumbent Tom McMahon is back in the running, facing competition from Julie Selbst and Kristin Dubay Horton, who also serves on the Marblehead Housing Authority.

Planning Board (two seats): Incumbents Robert Schaeffner and Marc Liebman are both seeking to continue their work on the Planning Board, which plays a critical role in overseeing local development and land use.

Town Moderator (one seat): The position of Town Moderator will see incumbent Jack Attridge running for reelection against Peter Jaffe, each bringing their distinct perspectives on town governance.

Board of Assessors (one seat): After over 40 years of service, John Kelley will not seek reelection. Bryan G. Adams is stepping forward to fill the position, which is essential for determining property values and tax assessments.

Water and Sewer Commission (two seats): Incumbents Barton Hyte and Gregory W. Burt are both aiming to secure another term in this crucial role, which manages the town’s water and sewage services.

Municipal Light Commission (one seat): Incumbent Matthew Harrington is running again, contributing to the oversight of the town's light and power services.

Library Trustees (two seats): Incumbents Gary Amberik and Katherine Barker are both seeking reelection, aiming to continue their stewardship of the local library, a vital resource for the community.

Housing Authority: The Housing Authority race sees incumbent Jean Eldridge running for reelection, alongside Jeffrey Weeden. However, incumbent Bill Kuker has decided not to return, creating a shift in this important local body.

Cemetery Commission: Rabbi David Meyer is seeking reelection, while Sally Sands and Rose McCarthy have taken out papers for a two-year unexpired term, emphasizing the importance of this commission in maintaining Marblehead's historical heritage.

Recreation and Parks Commission: A broad slate of incumbents—Larry Simpson, Chris Kennedy, Karin Ernst, and Shelly Curran Bedrossian—are all hoping for another term, joined by new candidate Ken Klaiman, indicating a robust interest in local recreational and park initiatives.

The Current is committed to providing comprehensive coverage of these elections and will be publishing a Candidates Guide featuring photos and interviews with all candidates. This guide will offer Marblehead residents an opportunity to learn more about those vying for their votes and the platforms they stand on.

As the town gears up for these pivotal elections, it's essential for residents to stay informed. The decisions made in the coming months will shape the future of Marblehead’s community, governance, and services. For readers who value local journalism, supporting platforms like The Current is crucial for ensuring fair and comprehensive coverage of local issues.