Politics & Government

Candidates Named at Town Caucus

Here's a rundown of the candidates nominated at last night's caucus.

 

There is one contested race in the upcoming March election following last night's Town Caucus. There is still time for potential candidates to get their names on the ballot though.

As of last night, the only real race is that for a five-year term on the . The race is now between Raymond Snay and Linda Escobedo, both of whom are very active in town affairs.

Snay, the current chairman of the was praised for his work with senior citizens by speaker at last night's caucus, and was said to have a keen insight into that demographic in town, which would make him a good fit for the Housing Authority.

Escobedo, who has worked with the Community Chest, Hugh Cargill Trust, and the Open Table has a reputation around town as one who takes pride in helping others. to read an open letter from Escobedo to the residents of Concord.

In the race for , there are two three-year terms up for grabs. Current Chairman Elise Woodward was nominated last night for re-election. Woodward was described by a speaker at the caucus as "a voice of calm reason" in situations that are often muddled by emotional debate.

Also nominated to run for Board of Selectmen last night was Paul Mahoney, who has worked with the Concord Children's Center and the Community Chest Allocation Committee. One of Mahoney's best traits according to a speaker at the caucus is "a willingness to listen," and act with thoughtfulness and fairness.

Similarly, there are two three-year terms available on the , and a separate candidate for each of them.

Former Selectman and Principal Phil Benincasa was nominated last night. Benincasa, who had announced his intention to run for a seat on the School Committee prior to the caucus, is well known around town after more than 30 years in the education field.

Also nominated to run for a seat on the School Committee was Jennifer Munn. CCHS Building Committee member Michelle Ernst said Munn, who has presided over the Board of the Concord Education Fund, is "hard working, creative, diplomatic, intelligent and is an exemplary leader."

Town Moderator Eric Van Loon was also nominated for re-election last night, and is, as of now, running unopposed.

Keep an eye out for more extensive candidate profiles in the coming weeks on Concord Patch.

Anyone who would like to run for an elected position in the March 6 election but was not nominated at last night's Town Caucus may still do so by turning in the proper paperwork with the signatures of 50 registered voters to by Jan. 17.

The deadline to register to vote in the election and the Annual Town Meeting is Wednesday, Feb. 15. The League of Women Voters will host a candidates forum on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2 p.m., at the Town House.

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