No surprises in the early going since the month-long registration period began at 7:30 this morning for candidates seeking one of three open seats on the City Council in next April’s election.
Andy Weissman, tabbed as the favorite in the field, was first to pull papers followed by Christopher Armenta, the City Clerk.
Dr. Luther Henderson, Mehaul O’Leary and Albert Vera are the only other announced candidates so far.
Registration ends on Monday, Jan. 14
Unlike two years ago, when Scott Malsin and a party of supporters dashed to City Hall to be present the moment the blinds were drawn back for business, no candidate was within a mile of the counter this time when the business day began.
Because of term limits, Mayor Alan Corlin, Vice Mayor Carol Gross and Councilman Steve Rose are ineligible to run for third terms. They would be permitted to run after a two-year lapse, but none of the three is expected back.
Mr. Vera has served three non-consecutive terms. He was eligible to run for a new term two years ago, told several people — including the Deputy City Clerk on Deadline Day — he would drive to City Hall to sign papers but never showed up. He later said he would sign up during a special registration window but again demurred.