Qualifying for the 2009 city elections ended at noon today, and a total of 15 candidates have entered races for council seats, according to city records.
In the race for mayor, the candidates list includes incumbent Jim Burch, along with challengers John Sullivan, Robert Pizzolongo, Roger G. Butler and Stephen J. Lovejoy.
In District 1, the candidates are Jim Martin, Kenneth “Marty” McClain and Samuel Eric Huber.
In District 4, incumbent Dolores Bertonlini will be challenged by Chris N. Chulakes-Leetz.
In District 6, John Cataldi Jr., Kevin McGrail, Frank Antos Sr., Joseph Trunkett and Onil Martinez Jr. have entered the race.
The city will host candidate debates on Aug. 27 and 28 in City Council Chambers. Districts 1 and 6 will be on Thursday, and the Mayor will be on Friday. The debates will start at 7 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m. Len Jennings from ABC-7 will be our moderator again this year. The debates will be broadcast live on CapeTV, Channel 98 and taped for replay the following week leading up to the primary.