County races shape up, include challenge to sheriff

0

A race is shaping up for the six-year term of Dukes County sheriff in the state election this fall. In addition to incumbent Michael McCormack, State Police station commander Sgt. Neal Maciel of Vineyard Haven, and retired Oak Bluffs police officer Warren Gosson have taken the first step to placing their names on the state election ballot on Nov. 2.

The men gathered the required 25 signatures and submitted their signatures for certification with Island town clerks. All three have been certified by the board of registrars in their respective towns. The would-be candidates must now submit their petititions to the Massachusetts Secretary of State for certification. The deadline for state certification is May 25. May 28 is the last day for a candidate to withdraw.

Four incumbent county commissioners are seeking reelection to a two-year term on the seven-member Dukes County Commission. Tristan Israel of Tisbury, Carlene Gatting of Edgartown, Les Leland of West Tisbury, and Melinda Loberg of Tisbury have filed nomination papers to serve a two-year term. The shortened term was one of the few changes in the county charter recomended by a charter commission, and approved by voters.

Tom Hallahan of Oak Bluffs is seeking a seat on the Governor’s Council. His nomination papers required 1,000 certified signatures from the first council district, which includes Dukes, Nantucket, and Barnstable counties, as well as parts of Plymouth and Bristol counties. The main function of the eight-member governor’s council is to act on the nomination of judges in the Massachusetts court system.