Its Mitchell Vs. Giesta In The Race For Mayor

Its a two way race for Mayor of New Bedford. Two term incumbent Jon Mitchell is being challenged by newcomer Maria Giesta. They were the only candidates who filed papers to run for Mayor before Tuesday's deadline.

One candidate who many thought would get into the mayoral race, did not file papers Tuesday at the deadline. Former Mayor Scott Lang says now was not the right time for him to run for office again. "I can't have a foot in each canoe," said Lang. "I have reponsibilities right now in the private sector and with my family, so I'm very happy to be at the law office and I hope one day I'll be able to serve."

There were no real surprizes at Tuesday's deadline. Former Ward Five City Councilor Jane Gonsalves did file papers to run for Councilor At Large.

It appears that there will be preliminary elections in October for just two offices, the Council seat in Ward Four where five candidates including incumbent Dana Ribeiro have filed papers, and for Councilor At Large, where a dozen candidates have submitted papers.

September 4th is the last day candidates can withdraw from any of the races.