Manchester’s filing period for elective office opened today.   Incumbents largely came forward, but political watchers were surprised by the filing of David Wihby, who currently serves at-Large on the School Board.Wihby was expected by many to file his candidacy for Alderman at-Large, with the blessings and encouragement of Mayor Ted Gatsas.  Instead, he filed for re-election.

This will be seen as a blow by some to Gatsas’ political agenda and election strategy.  Sources say Gatsas had hoped that Wihby and former Alderman at-Large Mike Lopez would file for the alderman at-Large positions in an effort to defeat the current aldermen at-Large Dan O’Neil and Joe Kelly Levasseur.  Levasseur filed for re-election today.  O’Neil is expected to do so.  The chatter regarding a Lopez candidacy has been considerable.  Expect him to file.

We’ve uploaded this list of all those who’ve filed for office today, which includes a complete listing of all the offices available for candidates.  There is no limit on the number of people who can run for any office.

Other incumbents filing today include:

Mayor Ted Gatsas

Ward 1:  Alderman Joyce Craig, School Committeewoman Sarah Ambrogi

Ward 3:  Alderman Patrick Long, School Committeeman Christopher Stewart

Ward 5:  School Committeeman Ted Rokas

Ward 7:  Alderman William P. Shea (putting to rest speculation that he won’t run again)

Ward 8:  Alderman Tom Katsiantonis, School Committeewoman Erika Connors

Ward 9:  School Committeeman Art Beaudry

Ward10:  School Committeeman John Avard

Ward 11:  Alderman Normand Gamache