This year’s municipal election in the largest city in western Massachusetts has drawn a large number of candidates.
Lead by several community activists looking to obtain elected office for the first time and some former office-holders hoping for comebacks, more than 65 people have taken out nomination papers to run for either city council or school committee in Springfield.
Election Commissioner Gladys Oyola said it appears to be the highest number of potential candidates in 15 years.
"Even when we started ward representation back in 2009 it was not as big as what we have today," Oyola said Friday hours before the deadline for candidates to pick up nomination papers.
Almost 35 candidates have already been certified to appear on the ballot.
A preliminary election for at-large City Council and School Committee is scheduled for September 19th.
The final election is Nov. 7
There is no mayoral election in Springfield. The mayor’s term is four years. City councilors serve two-year terms.
