Spicer Gets 1K Signatures, Sisitsky Plans Launch Party

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Incumbent Framingham Mayor Yvonne Spicer is off to the races.

Spicer announced Monday that she submitted 1,000 signatures to get her name on the 2021 ballot, double the amount required for mayoral candidates in the City Charter. She credited "dozens of volunteers, activists, and labor union members" for helping her qualify for the ballot.

"Just as I have navigated our city through the pandemic, I will continue to focus on the recovery and revitalization of our community," she said in a news release Monday. "Framingham is ready for a strong recovery, and I am ready to guide our city to success."

Spicer was elected as Framingham's first mayor in 2017. Her first term has been rocky at times, battling with City Councilors over issues like public records, water and sewer rates and financial management in general.

Spicer's main rival in the 2021 race, former councilor Charlie Sisitsky, announced on Monday he's planning another campaign launch event in July. On Monday, he'll hold a fundraiser at at La Cantina Italiana along Waverly Street.

Sisitsky is trailing Spicer in the fundraising race, but he's also demonstrated an ability to raise cash quickly. He raised about $34,000 in May and June alone, close to the amount Spicer has raised since July 2020.

Sisitsky has also returned his candidate filing papers. A third challenger, Brazilian Immigrants Family of America CEO Carlos Valadares, has also returned papers. A fourth mayoral candidate, Rick McKenna, dropped out of the race two weeks ago and will support Sisitsky.

Related Framingham election 2021 coverage

• Spicer, Sisitsky Neck-And-Neck In Mayoral Campaign Fundraising
• McKenna To Suspend Framingham Mayoral Campaign
• Ottaviani Seeks Epstein's Framingham School Committee Seat
• 2 Framingham School Committee Candidates Already Certified
• Deeley Exits, Binnall Enters Framingham 2021 City Council Races
• Feeney Launches Bid For Framingham District 3 Council Seat
• Framingham Councilor Robert Case Won't Run In 2021
• Framingham Councilor Stefanini Running In 2021, But Not For Mayor
• Framingham Councilors Steiner, Stewart-Morales Running In 2021
• Framingham Mayor Yvonne Spicer Will Seek Re-election In 2021
• Sisitsky Campaign Launch Features Sharp Criticism Of Spicer
• Framingham Councilor Margareth Shepard Not Running In 2021