Field of candidates for Bangor’s Nov. 4 ballot nearly doubles

BANGOR – The field of prospective candidates for spots on the city’s Nov. 4 ballot has nearly doubled since last week when nomination papers became available.

A week ago, six residents had stopped by City Hall to pick up nomination petitions. As of Wednesday afternoon, the total had climbed to 11.

This year, five elective offices are available. Two positions on the seven-member school committee and three of the City Council’s nine seats are up for grabs.

All three council incumbents – Mayor Nichi Farnham and Councilors John Rohman and Michael Crowley – are prevented from seeking another term under the city charter, which requires councilors to take at least a year off after serving six consecutive years.

As of Wednesday afternoon, nine residents had taken out nomination papers for those positions, including current state representative and former Mayor Patricia Blanchette, John Cashwell III, former Bangor International Airport Director Peter D’Errico, Geoffrey Gratwick, John Hiatt, Yussif A. Rishani, Michael J. Robinson, former Councilor James Tyler and Torvic Vardamis.

Three-year terms also are expiring for school committee members Martha Newman and Ellen Tobin.

Both incumbents are eligible to run again, as there are no term limits at this time.

To date, two residents have taken out papers for seats on the education panel – Newman and Pamela D. Stokes.

Nomination papers must be turned in no earlier than Aug. 18 and no later than Sept. 5.

Those who want to become council candidates must obtain signatures from 150 to 200 people registered to vote in Bangor.

Prospective school committee candidates need 100 to 150 signatures.