There will be no preliminary election this fall in any Haverhill electoral race as the number of candidates is below the minimum required.
Two candidates, incumbent James J. Fiorentini and Haverhill Police Officer Daniel Trocki, are set to face off in November in the race for mayor. Although they took out nomination papers, Melanie Tamberino withdrew from the race and Hector Montalvo did not file completed papers with the City Clerk’s office by last night’s 5 p.m. deadline.
Fiorentini, who is seeking his ninth term as mayor, turned in 71 certified signatures to appear on the ballot, while Trocki submitted 105.
Candidates for City Council include all incumbents and seven challengers. Incumbents, in order of taking out papers, are Joseph J. Bevilacqua, John A. Michitson, Timothy J. Jordan, Colin F. LePage, Thomas J. Sullivan, Mary Ellen Daly O’Brien, Melinda E. Barrett, Bill Macek and Michael S. McGonagle. Challengers are Stavros Dimakis, Nicholas Golden, former Councilor Kenneth E. Quimby, Fred Simmons, Joseph P. Sherlock, Douglas Edison and former School Committee member Shaun P. Toohey.
For School Committee, the three incumbents up for re-election are being challenged by three newcomers. Incumbents, listed in order of taking out nomination papers, are Gail M. Sullivan, Sven A. Amirian and Scott W. Wood Jr. Challengers are Thomas Grannemann, Toni Donais and Stephanie Viola. Others who pulled nomination papers but decided against runs were Patricia McDonald, Melissa Lewandowski and Katrina Everett. Half of the School Committee is elected every four years.
As the longest serving mayor in Haverhill’s history, Fiorentini, who announced his reelection campaign on May 17, is running on his record leading the city over the last 16 years. Fiorentini has emphasized his success in revamping Haverhill schools, recreation and the emergence of a bustling downtown. Trocki, whose bid commenced April 25, has argued change is needed at the city’s helm, and believes further improvements can be made to the school system.
The election takes place Tuesday, Nov. 5. Eliminating the Sept. 10 preliminary election is estimated to save the city $50,000.