ROCKLAND, Maine — Former Mayor Brian Harden has thrown his hat into this fall’s City Council race.
Harden took out nomination papers for one of two three-year seats on the council. He is the third candidate to take out papers. Former Harbor Master Ed Glaser and independent journalist Judith Lawson also took out papers, with Glaser the only one yet to file his and officially make the ballot.
Harden served 12 consecutive years on the City Council from 2000-2012 and was elected mayor by his council peers four times, in 2005, 2006, 2010 and 2011.
He was narrowly defeated in his bid in 2012 to win an unprecedented fifth consecutive term on the council by Frank Isganitis.
The deadline for candidates to file nomination papers is Sept. 26 to get on the Nov. 8 ballot.
Incumbent Mayor Louise MacLellan-Ruf announced last month she would not seek re-election. Incumbent Councilor Larry Pritchett said Thursday he expects to decide next week whether to seek a third term.
On the school board side of the ballot, three candidates have taken out papers for three seats. Incumbent Regional School Unit 13 Board Chair Steve Roberts is seeking re-election. Architect Gerald Weinand also is seeking a three-year seat. Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tom Peaco is seeking a two-year seat.