Manchester’s filing period for elective office opened today. Incumbents largely came forward, but political watchers were surprised by the filing of David Wihby, who currently serves at-Large on the School Board.Wihby was expected by many to file his candidacy for Alderman at-Large, with the blessings and encouragement of Mayor Ted Gatsas. Instead, he filed for re-election.
This will be seen as a blow by some to Gatsas’ political agenda and election strategy. Sources say Gatsas had hoped that Wihby and former Alderman at-Large Mike Lopez would file for the alderman at-Large positions in an effort to defeat the current aldermen at-Large Dan O’Neil and Joe Kelly Levasseur. Levasseur filed for re-election today. O’Neil is expected to do so. The chatter regarding a Lopez candidacy has been considerable. Expect him to file.
We’ve uploaded this list of all those who’ve filed for office today, which includes a complete listing of all the offices available for candidates. There is no limit on the number of people who can run for any office.
Other incumbents filing today include:
Mayor Ted Gatsas
Ward 1: Alderman Joyce Craig, School Committeewoman Sarah Ambrogi
Ward 3: Alderman Patrick Long, School Committeeman Christopher Stewart
Ward 5: School Committeeman Ted Rokas
Ward 7: Alderman William P. Shea (putting to rest speculation that he won’t run again)
Ward 8: Alderman Tom Katsiantonis, School Committeewoman Erika Connors
Ward 9: School Committeeman Art Beaudry
Ward10: School Committeeman John Avard
Ward 11: Alderman Normand Gamache
