Bellingham voters get to head to the polls Tuesday

BELLINGHAM — Voters go to the polls Tuesday to decide three potential election races, including contests for Board of Selectmen, School Committee and Planning Board.

Polls in the Bellingham High School gymnasium, 60 Blackstone St., will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

There are three candidates running for two available three-year seats on the Board of Selectmen, including incumbent Selectmen Donald Martinis and Michael Soter and candidate Stuart LeClaire.

There are two candidates for two oneyear, unexpired terms on the board, which were left vacant by the resignation of Michael Connor and the death of Jerald Mayhew. The two candidates are Connor, who is seeking to return to the board, and Cynthia McNulty. Connor resigned last year to avoid a conflict of interest after he took a position as Bellingham High School's athletic director. Connor is now eligible to run for selectmen now that voters are aware of his job with the School Department.

In the School Committee race, two candidates are vying for one three-year seat on the committee, including Lori Columbo and Francis Cartier, a former member of the committee.

The third race on the ballot is a twocandidate contest for a three-year seat on the Planning Board between incumbent William O'Connell Jr. and challenger James Dunlea.

There are also two candidates – Laura Howard and Rebekah Tracy – seeking two seats on the Library Board of Trustees. The last day to file a recount petition after the election is Friday, May 12.

The Annual Town Meeting this year will not be held on May 24, as originally, planned, but instead will be held on Tuesday, June 13 in order to allow for the timely receipt of all necessary financial information.

The Special Town Meeting will be held October on a date to be determined.