2018 Election: A New Contested Race Emerges On The Ballot
Feb 12, 2018 05:54PM
● By Bill Gilman

Thanks to recent action by the Board of Selectmen, a new, contested race has emerged.
As of Friday, Feb. 9, Ray Lisiecki and Eric Ryder had taken out nomination papers for a two-year term on the Planning Board. A vacancy on the board was created when Keith Anderson submitted his resignation with just over two years remaining on his five-year term. Last week, the Board of Selectmen voted to add a two-year term to the April ballot.
In the meantime, candidates continue to return their nomination sheets, with the signatures of at least 50 registered Tewksbury voters, to the Town Clerk's office for certification. Most notably, incumbent Selectman Mark Kratman and challengers George Ferdinand and Brian Dick have all had their nominations certified.
As of Feb. 9, just the Selectmen's race and the two-year Planning Board race will be contested. Incumbents running for re-election to the Tewksbury School Committee, Shawsheen Tech School Committee, Planning Board (five-year term), Board of Health and Library Board of Trustees are running unopposed.
However, there is still time for residents to step forward and throw their hat into the ring for any of the races on the ballot.
Nomination status, through Feb. 9:
Taken out papers Signatures certified
Board of Selectmen (2 Seats/ 3 Year Term)
I - David H. Gay (will not run for re-election)
I - Mark S. Kratman YES YES
George Ferdinand YES YES
Brian Dick YES YES
School Committee (2 Seats/ 3 Year Term)
I - James A. Cutelis YES NO
I - Dennis G. Francis YES YES
Planning Board (1 Seat/ 5 Year Term)
I - Robert A. Fowler YES YES
Planning Board (1 Seat/ 2 Year Term)
Ray Lisiecki YES NO
Board of Library Trustees (2 Seats/ 3 Year Term)
I - Paige Ferry Impink YES YES
I - Patricia A. Pino YES NO
Board of Health (2 Seats/ 3 Year Term)
I - Raymond M. Barry YES NO
I - Robert G. Scarano YES NO
Shawsheen Valley Regional Technical High School Committee (1 Seat/ 3 Year Term)
I - Lisa J. Puccia YES YES
I - Incumbent
The last day for candidates to file their nomination papers is Tuesday, Feb. 20 before 5 p.m., at the Town Clerk’s Office. Fifity (50) valid registered Tewksbury voter’s signatures and addresses are required.