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Nomination papers are available at the Election Office at Springfield City Hall, shown above, for mayor and City Council races.

(File photo)

SPRINGFIELD - The list of potential candidates running for mayor of Springfield continued to climb on Thursday.

A total of seven people have taken out nomination papers for mayor, as of Thursday afternoon, the third day that papers were available the Election Office at City Hall, according to Election Commissioner Gladys Oyola.

"While the mayoral seat seems to be drawing the most interest from prospective candidates the proof will be in the pudding," Oyola said. "Pulling nomination papers for any office shows an interest in running. However, returning the 500 signatures necessary to run for mayor is the true indication of how serious a candidate is."

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, of 109 Carroll St., was the first to take out the papers, and said he is running for re-election.

Two other candidates, who have formally announced their candidacies for mayor, also took out papers this week: Johnnie Ray McKnight, of 9 Hollywood St.; and Salvatore S. Circosta, of 24 Burlington St.

Others taking out papers for mayor by late Thursday were: Michael Jones, of 180 Albemarle St.; Michaelann Bewsee, of 27 Mystic St.; Jeffery P. Donnelly, of 120 Lucerne Road; and Beverly Savage, of 36 Sumner Terrace.

Those taking out papers for mayor have until July 28 to return them to the Election Office with at least 500 signatures of registered voters in order to qualify for the fall ballot.

The election is Nov. 3, and a preliminary election will be held in September if there are more than two candidates for mayor. There would also be a preliminary election if there are more than two candidates running for any ward seat on the City Council, or if there are more than 10 candidates running for the five at-large council seats.