Election race narrows after nomination papers due

Editor’s Note: Following the deadline for Dartmouth Week’s Feb. 15 print edition, Dartmouth Week received an update from Town Clerk that multiple candidates did not return their nomination papers. 

Though dozens of candidates took out nominations papers for town election, fewer followed through with their submissions by the Feb. 13 deadline. 

Steve Melo did not ultimately choose to enter the race for Select Board for Frank Gracie’s seat, which means John Sousa and Christopher O’Neil will likely battle it out for the 3-year term. 

Additionally, David Tatelbaum’s seat is now uncontested, after Peter Howland did not return his papers and Diane Gilbert indicated she would withdraw from the race. 

The School Committee race will remain the same, with Mackenzie Boucher, Kyle Ross and Mary Beckwith all seeking Shannon Jenkins’ open seat. 

The Board of Library Trustees remains contested, with four candidates seeking three overall seats, but Mary Elizabeth Powell did not return her nomination papers. 

The Board of Assessors’ seat remains contested, between Albert Lay and incumbent Curtis Nunes. 

All other races are uncontested, including two Board of Parks and Recreation seats, one Board of Health seat, one Planning Board seat, one Housing Authority seat and Town Clerk.

These nominations are not yet certified by Town Clerk, and will not be until the end of the month.