Race is on: Many election hopefuls take out nomination papers

As of March 10, twelve people have taken out nomination papers for Wareham’s May 6 town election, which is the first step for candidates to get their name on the ballot. 

With the March 18 deadline to return papers still ahead, more residents may enter the race, while some who pulled papers may opt out.

The Select Board race is shaping up to be highly competitive. Four candidates are in the running for two available three-year terms: incumbent Jared Chadwick, along with challengers Joseph Still, Mark Swan, and Veronica Debonise.

The two candidates who receive the most votes will claim the two open seats on the board.

Chadwick has announced he will seek reelection, while the other potential incumbent, Ronald Besse, has not yet made a decision and could not be contacted by time of publication.

Still serves on the Conservation Commission, Debonise is a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, and Swan ran for Republican State Committee in 2024, which governs the state’s Republican Party and supports its candidates.

Additionally, three candidates — Marcus Gomes, Alan Slavin, and Richard Coletti — have taken out papers to run for the two-year unexpired term left vacant by board member Sherry Quirk, who announced her resignation on March 4, effective May 5.

Gomes is the chair of the Wareham Cultural Council, Coletti serves as a town constable, and Slavin, a current Finance Committee member, previously served on the Select Board for 12 years before retiring in 2024.

Other key races are also taking shape. For the School Committee, Roger Bonin has taken out papers for the one available three-year term, while current officeholder Brennan McKiernan has decided not to seek reelection.

Several other positions are on the ballot. Margaret Ishihara has announced her reelection campaign for the position of moderator.

Scott Soby and Carey Paster have taken out papers for a Sewer Commissioner seat.

David Halberstadt is seeking reelection to the Board of Assessors.

As of now, no candidates have taken out papers for an open Housing Authority position, according to the Town Clerk’s office.