City Councilor William J. Macek, the longest currently serving member of the City Council, has become the first candidate in Haverhill election history to use his nickname, Bill, on the ballot, City Clerk Linda L. Koutoulas confirmed to WHAV.
Macek explained to WHAV that a candidate can use a nickname if his or her voter registration reflects that name prior to pulling nomination papers.
When asked about his rationale for using a nickname, Macek explained, “I have been known as Bill since I was a child. People know me as Bill.” Macek further emphasized the need to create a “better connection” between what voters see on the ballot and the name he is known by. “Every vote counts,” he added.
Macek is one of nine members of the City Council up for reelection in the November vote.