The number of residents interested in the Town Clerk seat just increased by two more: Current Planning Board member Ed Duffy and David Conlin of Precinct 6. That makes a total of six. Is there anyone in town who has not thought of entering this race?

In addition to Conlin and Duffy are Steven Cloonan, Susan Galvin, Mike Joyce, and Marion McEttrick.  To date Joyce is the only candidate to officially announce his candidacy. In a statement Ms. McEttrick said:

I have taken out papers and am exploring whether to be a candidate.  My interest in the office stems from a desire to apply my 12 years of experience as a Selectman, as well as my education and job experience, to the management of the Clerk’s Office, to ensure that there is a transparent operation and a welcoming public face for Milton, especially as regards districting and election issues.  I am interested in reviewing the use of technology in the office,  and improving the amount and quality of information on the Clerk’s website.

For example, although re-districting will not occur again for a while, when it does, I would like to see a process of public discussion by the Clerk and the Board of Selectmen of the population changes and any other factors that must govern the re-districting decision, along with open consideration of what choices can be made regarding changes in district lines.  I also feel there should be similar public discussion before decisions are made to re-locate polling places.

All candidates need to submit their nomination papers to the Town Clerk’s office by 5:00PM on Tuesday, March 6th. Candidates for town wide office need to collect 50 signatures to be on the ballot.

Mary Kelly has also taken out papers for school committee. Ms. Kelly and Lynda Lee Sheridan are both incumbents up for re-election and at the moment would be running unopposed.

There may be a race for Assessor. Two residents have taken out papers for that race: James Henderson, who is making his third run at the post and William Bennett of Precinct 10.

In other races the following have taken out papers. All are current incumbents and at the moment are running unopposed: Stephen Affanato/Park Commissioner, Paul Dolan/Trustee of the Cemetery, Timothy Lowney / Board of Health, Joseph Murphy/Housing Authority.