Almeida Returns Nomination Papers

Seekonk could soon have its first official candidate in the election to determine Bill Rice's replacement on the Board of Selectmen. One day after pulling nomination papers from , Nelson Almeida returned the documents along with what he told Attleboro-Seekonk Patch were 70 signatures. If at least 50 are determined to be from registered local voters, Almeida would be declared an official candidate.

This is Almeida's second attempt to get on the board. The political newcomer in the five-candidate contest for two seats in April. He has recently become a regular attendee at selectmen meetings, and was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Committee last month.

Patch was unable to contact the Town Clerk's office to find out if any additional candidates pulled papers because Town Hall closes at 12 p.m. on Fridays.

Local cable talk show host Jeffrey Starr Mararian contacted the clerk's office on Thursday to say he wanted to be a write-in candidate.

The special election will take place Sept. 24. It was scheduled after Rice resigned last week. The first-term selectman, who frequently clashed with his colleagues on the board, would not say why he quit.

Residents have until Aug. 6 to enter the race.