The Papers Are In – Voters can expect a lively local election season

The deadline for submitting nomination papers has passed, and we now know the candidates who will be running for office in the November 3 Town Election. The most watched race will be the Town Council president’s contest, in which candidates Barbara A. Survilas, Jeffrey R. Turco, and Susan Bolster will be on the ballot.

Winthrop residents can expect a highly visible campaign from all three candidates as they seek to succeed Thomas Reilly as president of the town’s governing body. The candidates bring varying, but strong, credentials to the race.

All will be trying to get their own message out to Winthrop voters to persuade the electorate that they are the best choice to lead the town through these challenging financial times.

The Sun Transcript will join with the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce and Winthrop Community Access Television (WCAT) to host a council president’s debate on Thursday, October 8. The debate will give the candidates a wide forum to discuss their views and residents an opportunity to evaluate the candidates’ positions on the issues.

Statewide, Winthrop residents can look forward to a barnburner of a campaign for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate that currently has Attorney General Martha Coakley and U.S. Congressman Michael Capuano vying for the seat held by the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy for the past 47 years. Celtics co-owner Stephen Pagliuca is also considering a run for the Democratic nomination.

Although Winthrop residents are not directly involved in the Boston mayoral race, which has a primary set for this Tuesday, September 22, you can be sure that local political aficionados will be keeping an eye on that contest as well.