LEWISTON — Potential candidates for city offices in the November election have one more day to qualify for the ballot.
According to City Clerk Kathy Montejo, there should be more activity as Friday’s deadline to submit nomination papers approaches.
As of midday Wednesday, only one mayoral candidate — Carl Sheline — has qualified to appear on the Nov. 2. Several candidates who have taken out papers have either withdrawn from the race or have not submitted the required signatures.
Councilor Lee Clement, who had toyed with a potential run for mayor, has instead decided to run for reelection to his Ward 6 seat. The decision leaves Donna Gillespie and Brandon Forgues as potential challengers to Sheline.
Clement said this week that he made the decision after “careful reflection and discussion with many people throughout the ward as well as the city.”
“I have concluded that I can be most effective in representing my current constituents as well as shaping the future of Lewiston by continuing to serve in a position where I have a vote,” he said.
If neither Gillespie nor Forgues submits papers, both Lewiston and Auburn would have uncontested races for mayor.
Sheline, co-owner of Munka Coworking on Lisbon Street, is new to politics but well-known in the business sector and larger community. He’s rolled out a campaign website and lawn signs featuring the slogan “Lewiston Forward.”
Gillespie, who ran unsuccessfully for the Ward 2 council seat in 2017 and 2019, said recently she was “still contemplating at this point.”
Forgues said in August that he was “leaning toward” running. It would be his first campaign for elected office.
The races for City Council have seen new candidates join the fold, including Robert McCarthy challenging Caleb Roebuck in Ward 2 and Amy Sanchez running against Charles Soule in Ward 5.
For School Committee, qualified candidates so far include Megan Parks and Jason Lavoie for the at-large seat; Bruce Damon for Ward 1; Janet Beaudoin in Ward 2; Elizabeth Eames in Ward 3; Leigh Albert and Meghan Hird in Ward 6; and Paul Beauparlant and Heather Benson in Ward 7.
Potential candidates have taken out papers for Wards 4 and 5 but have so far not submitted them.
Nomination papers are due to the City Clerk’s office no later than 4:30 p.m. Friday.
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