KEENE, NH – The deadline to declare candidacy in Keene’s upcoming municipal primary has come and gone, and several familiar and some new names will be on the ballot.

Incumbent City Councilors up for reelection include Raleigh Ormerod in Ward 1, Robert Williams in Ward 2, Bryan Lake in Ward 3, Thomas Powers in Ward 5, and At-Large Councilors Kate Boseley, Randy Filiault, and Michael Remy. A vacant seat is also available in Ward 4 that was formerly held by Councilor Gladys Johnson who recently resigned because she was moving out of state.

Councilor At-Large Bettina Chadbourne previously announced that she would not be seeking reelection.

Some new names that declared their candidacy include Ashok Bahl, Cora Angela Elliot, Edward J. Haas, and Cheshire County Commissioner and former councilman Terry Clark for At-Large Councilor. Laura Tobin has filed to run in Ward 4, Thomas S. Plenda in Ward 5, and Howard “Howie” Bagley in Ward 2.

A four-way race has emerged in Ward 3, where the incumbent Lake faces challenges by Steven Ringland, Michael K. Winograd, and John R. Schmitt.

Two candidates have filed to succeed Mayor George Hansel who announced in the Spring that he would not be seeking a third term. Former State Senator Jay Kahn will face citizen Brandford Hutchinson in that race.

The period for filing by petition remains open until this Friday, September 8th at 5 pm. To file by petition the candidate must gather at least 50 signatures from registered Keene voters. This option does not include the $5 fee that declaring candidacy does. Forms can be picked up at the City Clerk’s office.

Keene’s Municipal Primary is set for October 3rd. Polls will be open from 8 am – 7 pm in the following locations;
Ward 1: Michael E.J. Blastos Community Room – 400 Marlboro Street, adjacent to the Keene Police Department
Ward 2: Keene Parks & Rec Department – 312 Washington Street
Ward 3: Keene Middle School – 167 Maple Avenue
Ward 4: Symonds School – 79 Park Avenue
Ward 5: Monadnock Covenant Church – 90 Base Hill Road.

Those who are unsure what ward they live in should consult the City of Keene Street Index, or the City Ward Map.

For more information on the election, visit the City’s website. The General Election is set for November 7th.