Burlington School Committee Incumbents Will Run Unopposed

BURLINGTON, MA -- School committee members Christine Monaco and Thomas Murphy will run unopposed for reelection in Burlington's town election on April 6. Sonia Haleem of Lexington Street had taken out nomination papers but did not return them by Friday's 5 pm deadline.

Members of the school committee have largely adopted a position to move forward and not discipline staff after a string of reviews reviewed lax financial oversight. That, coupled with the abrupt resignation of the district's special education director and the poorer-than-expected results on state standardized tests last year led to speculation that the incumbent school committee members may face challengers in this year's election.

Nicholas Priest, who unsuccessfully ran for Burlington Board of Selectmen last year, will try again by running against incumbents Robert C. Hogan and Christopher Hartling. Michael W. Espejo of Town Line Road is challenging incumbent Carol A. Pena for a five-year term on the planning board.

There is one, local ballot question on the April 6 ballot. Voters will be asked to decide whether the town's elected treasurer and tax collector should become an appointed position. Town Clerk said pro and con opinion fact sheets on the question will be available in early March. An informational mailer will also be sent to all voter households in Burlington.

In other contested races:

• Constables William Pepicelli and Anthony J. Sala will be challenged in their reelection bids by Dennis C. Otis of Pearson Circle.
• There are seven candidates, including four incumbents, running for six, three-year Town Meeting seats from Precinct 1.
• There are seven candidates, including five incumbents, running for six, three-year Town Meeting seats from Precinct 2. Also in Precinct 2, two candidates are running for one, one-year term in Town Meeting.
• There are seven candidates, including five incumbents, running for six, three-year Town Meeting seats from Precinct 3.

Meanwhile, only five candidates returned nomination papers for six open Town Meeting seats in Precinct 5.

Are you running for office in Burlington on April 6? Contact Dave Copeland at dave.copeland@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Burlington Patch.

Subscribe to Burlington Patch for more local news and real-time alerts.

Patch file photo.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).