By DONNA KENNY KIRWAN

PAWTUCKET — Monday’s initial “declaration day” saw a slew of incumbents and a few political hopefuls as the city’s election season had its official start.

Pawtucket voters thinking of running for office still have today and Wednesday until 4 p.m. to fill out a short form declaring their intentions with the city’s Board of Canvassers at Pawtucket City Hall. Following this declaration, prospective candidates will return to the board on July 1 to pick up nomination papers.
According to Ken Magill, Registrar of Voters, political hopefuls will have until July 11 at 4 p.m. to return their nomination papers. The board will then certify the signatures of the candidates to determine eligibility to run for office in the fall primary and Nov. 4 election.
Among those who made their intentions known on Day One for local elected positions were incumbent James E. Doyle, who is seeking another term as mayor, and incumbent Thomas E. Hodge, seeking another term as council at large.
Two new faces also declared for council at large: former School Committee member and chairman John S. Baxter, Jr. and Michael W. Newman.
Among the District Councilors intending to run again are incumbents David P. Moran in District 1, Paul J. Wildenhain in District 2, Henry S. Kinch, Jr. in District 3, John J. Barry III in District 4, Mary E. Bray in District 5 and James F. Chadwick, Jr. in District 6.
Challenging Henry S. Kinch in District 3 is former councilor Albert J. Vitali Jr., who lost his last bid for re-election in a close primary race. The two candidates, both Democrats, will again square off in the Sept. 9 Democratic primary, said Magill.
On the School Committee, incumbents Nicole Ann Nordquist and David A. Coughlin Jr. declared their intentions to run for re-election. They were joined by three political newcomers: Joseph Knight, Raymond W. Noonan, and Carlos E. Toban.
So far, said Magill, all of the potential candidates are Democrats with the exception of Michael W. Newman, who listed himself as an Independent.
To get on the ballot, said Magill, candidate hopefuls for mayor, councilor at large and School Committee must obtain 200 certified signatures, while district councilor requires 50 certified signatures.
Anyone wishing to run for state senator must gather 100 certified signatures while state representative requires 50.