A number of incumbents on the 15-member council are opting not to run again this year. They include: District 3’s Hannah LeGris, District 5’s Liz Sheehan, District 10’s David Sevigny, District 11’s Jennifer Reynolds, District 6’s Lisa Higgins-Hord, and At-Large Councilman Chuck Ellinger.
"Its going to be some pretty big changes," says Richard Young with CivicLex. "Those are some folks that have been on council for a while and that's going to be quite a turnover. Some will absolutely be sticking around. Four incumbent council members are actually running unopposed."
As for why council is seeing an exodus of sorts, Young says two main reasons seem to be factoring into the decisions.
"Some have stated that the compensation for councilmembers just makes it very challenging for them. Councilmembers get paid about $41,000 a year before taxes," Young says. "It's also challenging running for office. A number of councilmembers have said it takes a toll on their family and the process of running and serving can be a pretty significant time demand."
Meanwhile, Mayor Linda Gorton, who has sailed to easy victories in the past, will have have six challengers this year.