Qualification ends for races

Candidate list takes shape

Local races for public office gathered steam Tuesday as cities and towns marked the last day for candidates to qualify for the March 14 election.

Unlike the long presidential campaign season, local candidates have a month to meet with prospective voters and earn endorsements — though many candidates began their campaigns early.

Only voters already on the books will be able to cast a ballot as registration for the elections closed at 5 p.m. Monday.

Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, and Ocean Ridge each have two commission seats up for grabs. Highland Beach voters will head to the polls to elect a new mayor in addition to two commission seats.

In Boynton, Commissioner Joe Casello is running unopposed in District 4 after Carmela Nanton didn’t complete the necessary paperwork by the deadline, said Judith Pyle, Boynton Beach city clerk.

In the race for District 2, incumbent Mack McCray has amassed the largest war chest with $26,875 in campaign contributions, according to January campaign filings reports. James DeVoursney has received $11,300 and Woodrow Hay has brought in $4,000.

Of the five candidates running for Seat 2 in Delray Beach, Jim Chard said he’s raked in about $35,000, followed by Kelly Barrette, who said she’s received approximately $17,000. The seat was formerly occupied by Al Jacquet until he left to serve in the Florida House of Representatives.

Commissioner Jordana