Election Central

Campaign Notebook: Haverhill Chamber Plans Coffee with Haverhill Mayoral Candidates

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Residents have an opportunity to mingle with Haverhill’s mayoral candidates during, what is described as, “a casual coffee where you can talk to the candidates in a calm atmosphere.”

The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce said it invited all five candidates appearing on Haverhill’s upcoming preliminary election ballot to participate. They are, in ballot order, City Councilor Melinda E. Barrett, School Committee member Scott W. Wood Jr., retired Patrolman Guy E. Cooper, Debra Campanile and George Eleftheriou. “This is an opportunity for voters to meet the candidates and make an informed decision when they cast their ballot at the primary on Tuesday, Sept. 12th. Haverhill will have a new mayor for the first time in 20 years so this is a big decision,” said Chamber Vice President Kate Martin.

Election Central

Information Session Sept. 6 for Voters with Questions About Haverhill’s Election Changes

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Those with questions about Haverhill’s change to mostly ward-based elections have an opportunity to learn more at an in-person information session a week from Wednesday. Haverhill City Clerk Kaitlin M. Wright and her office host the public to explain the change to the upcoming electoral system with both ward and at-large representatives set to go into effect during this fall’s city elections. The session will take place Wednesday, Sept. 6, at 5 p.m., in the Theodore A. Pelosi Jr. City Council Chambers, Haverhill City Hall, room 202, 4 Summer St., Haverhill. There will be time for a question-and-answer period and all are welcome to attend.

Election Central

Withdrawal of Haverhill Minority Candidate Means No Name on Ward 1 School Committee Ballot

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One of the seats seen as most critical for delivery of minority representation to Haverhill city government will have no candidates this fall. The surprise revelation came Thursday when Esteban Marte withdrew his name from consideration for the Ward 1 School Committee seat. It was the final day for withdrawing nominations for elected office. Marte, who was a last-minute candidate when he pulled nomination papers from the Haverhill City Clerk’s office last month, was a virtual shoo-in without an opponent. Marte told WHAV “it’s a bummer,” but he doesn’t believe now he could fulfil the role the way he originally wanted and intended.

Election Central

Methuen City Council Chair Zeigler Seeks to Succeed Duff on Governor’s Council

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Methuen City Council Chair Eunice D. Zeigler this weekend launched her campaign for 5th District governor’s councilor. Zeigler’s announcement comes on the heels of five-term Governor’s Councilor Eileen R. Duff’s decision to seek the post of Essex County Register of Deeds in 2024 following incumbent John L. O’Brien Jr.’s decision not to seek re-election. Zeigler said she enters the race with Duff’s encouragement. “I want to thank Governor’s Councilor Eileen Duff for her dedicated service to the people of the 5th District over the past 10 years.  I’m grateful for her strong leadership toward creating a more fair and equitable justice system in Massachusetts.”

Zeigler, who ran unsuccessfully last year for the redrawn Lawrence, Haverhill and Methuen state senate seat, said she is running for Governor’s Council because she believes she offers “a unique perspective to the body that decides who our judges will be, who sits on our Parole Board and who receives commutations and pardons.” She adds she is not a lawyer and has no conflicts of interest. “What I bring to the table is the ability to represent all our district’s residents, including historically marginalized communities,” she said.

Election Central

Haverhill Elections are Non-Partisan, But Here is How Candidates Think of Themselves

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Although Haverhill’s local elections are non-partisan, many residents have expressed curiosity about party affiliations held by the city’s various candidates. According to city records, three out of the five candidates for mayor are affiliated with the Democratic Party. They are, alphabetically, City Councilor Melinda E. Barrett, George Eleftheriou and School Committee member Scott W. Wood Jr.

Registered Republicans in the mayoral race are Debra Campanile and retired Patrolman Guy E. Cooper. Among those seeking election at-large to the City Council are Democrats John A. Michitson, Fred A. Simmons and Thomas J. Sullivan. Unenrolled candidates are Timothy J. Jordan and Colin F. LePage.

Election Central

Haverhill Mayoral Contest Narrows to Five; Other Changes Following Nomination Papers Deadline

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The race for Haverhill’s next mayor has narrowed to five with two candidates choosing not to file completed nomination papers by yesterday’s deadline. Mayoral candidates Timothy Slavit, a former assistant harbormaster, and Melanie Tamberino will not appear on ballots this fall. Candidates remaining in the race for mayor, at least for the time being, are City Councilor Melinda E. Barrett, Debra Campanile, retired Patrolman Guy E. Cooper, George Eleftheriou and School Committee member Scott W. Wood Jr.

Wood last week also took nomination papers to run for the Ward 4 School Committee seat. Races could still narrow further as candidates have until Thursday, Aug. 10, to withdraw.

Election Central

Haverhill Surprises: Bevilacqua to Retire, Wood Seeks School Seat, Sapienza-Donais Adds Council Run

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One of Haverhill’s longest-serving elected officials is retiring, a mayoral candidate in litigation against the city is hedging his bets with a School Committee run, another School Committee member takes out papers for City Council and a newcomer is all but a shoo-in for the Ward 1 School Committee seat. Friday’s deadline for taking out election nomination papers in Haverhill closes the door on new entrants to appear on the local ballots and reshapes the city’s political landscape. Longtime City Councilor and former School Committee member Joseph J. Bevilacqua ended speculation about which office he might seek—City Council or mayor—by not taking out papers at all. As late as last Thursday, Bevilacqua would not publicly confirm his plans, but Mayor James J. Fiorentini told WHAV Friday he knew all along. “He’s been a tremendous councilor—should have been Council president, but wasn’t.