SHREWSBURY -The article below is as it appeared early this week, but updates are now included on the bottom…..

It appears as if the ballot for the May election is finally starting to take shape, and it may prove to be a more exciting race than we thought.  After a couple weeks went by without any candidates stepping forward to run for School Committee, we can now report that five additional citizens stepped up to take out nomination papers for the two available School Committee seats, joining existing member Erin Canzano who is seeking re-election.  Should we wind up with six candidates running for two seats, this will undoubtedly be a lively and engaging campaign.

Ultimately, I would be surprised, but overjoyed, if all 6 potential candidates turned in their nomination papers by the deadline.  When seats are without an incumbent and prior to anyone announcing a potential candidacy it’s not uncommon for many citizens who might not normally have engaged in a contested race to step into the scene.  With the knowledge that many others are in the mix, we may see just a few of the six wind up placing their names on the ballot.  Either way, I invite any of the potential candidates to meet with me for coffee at LalaJava if they want to learn more about the role, and what it entails, or of course contact any of the current members.  I know I found it extremely helpful to meet with some sitting members of the School Committee before my official campaign began. There is just so much that goes on behind the scenes and so many unique challenges and opportunities awaiting the successful candidate.

So far none of the six candidates that have returned their nomination papers, but the six that pulled papers are as follows:

Robert Olsen, Robert H. Garvey, Bernard Magee, Kathleen McCarthy, Erin Canzano, and Donald F. Naber

Again these are for two open seats, each of which is a three year term.

On the Selectmen side, things are a bit less complex.  We have two open seats, those of Moira Miller, current chairperson, and John Lebeaux.  Both incumbents are running for re-election, and to date no other challengers have emerged, so this campaign is shaping up to be a lock for both incumbents, unless a last minute candidate emerges.

For the State Representative seat being vacated by Karyn Polito, the only candidate who has announced thus far has been Shrewsbury’s Matt Beaton who seems to be rallying quite a bit of support thus far.  On the Democratic side of that ticket, we so far have no official candidates, but we do have a host of names being bantered about, such as Kevin Byrne, Donna O’Connor, Peter Whitney.

For town meeting members, there are many, many seats open, and to date there are enough candidates running to at least fill the vacant spots, with the exception of Precinct 3.  According to the town clerks office, they are in need of three additional candidates for town meeting in Precinct 3 so for those interested in democracy at its purest form, you have just a few days to get your nomination papers from the clerk, get your required amount of signatures, and return them in time to get on the ballot.  This is a great opportunity to serve your community, and if you have the desire to get involved, you’re encouraged to come on down to the clerks office and place your name in the running

It’s very different to observe elections from the standpoint of one who is not up for re-election this year.  They seem so serene and organized viewed from this end, but I know just how much time and energy is truly involved.   I wish all of the candidates he very best, and commend them for doing what most people won’t do, which is being willing to step up and serve.

If I can be of any help to any of the candidates, or provide any insight or advice, please don’t hesitate to send me an email at steve@shrewsbury.net

Good luck to everyone!

Steve Levine

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Updated information…. The School Committee race has narrowed a bit today, with the news that current planning board member Don Naber has opted to remain in his current post, rather than seek the School Committee slot.  Keep posted here and we’ll update you on who the ultimate candidates will be.

Additional update as of 3/11.  We’re told that Bob Garvey has decided not to be a candidate for the School Committee slot.   This leaves a field of four candidates at this time for the two available seats on the board.