Two candidates would oust Kerry Scott

By Aubrey Gibavic - March 1, 2007

In what may be the most heated battle among six competitive races in the Oak Bluffs town elections next month, Casey Sharpe and Mac Starks will try to unseat incumbent Kerry Scott for Ms. Scott's seat on the five-member board of selectmen.

Ms. Sharpe and Ms. Scott are erstwhile political adversaries. Ms. Sharpe, the former Oak Bluffs town administrator, resigned in May of last year. At the time, several town officials, including selectman chairman Duncan Ross, attributed Ms. Sharpe's resignation in part to what they said was repeated meddling in the administrator's day-to-day operations by Ms. Scott. Mr. Starks, a town custodian, ran for the board last year.

Another three-way race will feature David Caron and Chip Mitchell challenging incumbent Linda Marinelli for one seat on the board of health. Seats on both the board of selectmen and board of health are for three- year terms.

Four candidates are vying for three seats on the finance and advisory committee. Douglas Best is running against incumbents Thad Harshbarger, Arthur McGrath Jr., and Ms. Marinelli.

Three candidates are running for two town constable positions. Sharon Rzemien will challenge the two incumbents, Richard R. Mavro and David Oliveira.

Hans vonSteiger is challenging incumbent Robert Iadicicco for his seat on the wastewater commission, and Charlene Radcliffe is challenging incumbent James Maseda for the three-year term as cemetery commissioner.

In uncontested races, David Richardson is seeking another one-year term as moderator. Richard Combra Jr. is running for another three-year term as parks commissioner. James Westervelt is seeking another five-year term on the planning board. Lisa Anne Reagan is running for a three-year term on the school committee. Priscilla Sylvia is seeking another three-year term on the Martha's Vineyard Land Bank Commission. Duncan Ross is running for another three-year term as water district moderator, and Michael DeBettencourt is seeking another three-year term as water district commissioner.

The candidates filed their nomination papers with the town clerk on Feb. 22, except for candidates for the water district, who have until March 7. Candidates have until March 12 to withdraw from the election, which is scheduled for April 12.